Synonym Chooser

How is the word origin distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of origin are inception, root, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

In what contexts can inception take the place of origin?

Although the words inception and origin have much in common, inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When might root be a better fit than origin?

While in some cases nearly identical to origin, root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When is source a more appropriate choice than origin?

The meanings of source and origin largely overlap; however, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile
the source of recurrent trouble

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of origin Here’s a look at the origins of the Smurfs and where the movie Smurfs fits in the history of the Smurfs. Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 18 July 2025 The film’s origin story is itself a postmodern yarn. Arkansas Online, 17 July 2025 Here is what to know about the origins of the Epstein case: What was Epstein convicted of? Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 17 July 2025 As is the case for many classic cocktails, the origin of the mojito is uncertain and disputed. Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for origin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origin
Noun
  • This shift reframes resilience as a source of growth and stability.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Indeed, the former official said, Israel had largely given up trying to cultivate human sources inside Hamas and Hezbollah.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Fact: Healthy lawns should be watered deeply, but less often, to encourage root growth and drought tolerance.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 20 July 2025
  • Without addressing root causes of violence, long-term solutions and improvements can never be realized.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • The researchers note, however, that more individual genome sequences would be needed to fully understand variation in ancestry during this period of Egyptian history.
    Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 18 July 2025
  • Florida, 2010-2015 Betty Brock was a mother of seven who enjoyed singing and art, long bicycle rides, organizing family photos and researching her ancestry.
    Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • The installation consists of a cradle to hold a cell phone in a specific position, and signage with a QR code for uploading the photographs to the database.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • This padding creates a supportive cradle, allowing your cat to sleep comfortably and securely.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Recent flooding in Texas at the beginning of the month killed at least 130 people, New York and New Jersey has also just been hit by flash flooding, and the fourth tropical storm of the season is expected to hit the coast of Florida this week.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 15 July 2025
  • They are required at the beginning of 8th grade, and staff must collaborate with students and their families to create and review the plans annually.
    Jean Eddy, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • To be Korean in GO is a matter neither of lineage nor of citizenship, Roh argues.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 11 July 2025
  • Not equal to artists working in a lineage descended from the Greeks and Romans.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Its genesis reaches back into our history and is directly related to the health and wellbeing of our nation’s inhabitants, and, more broadly, global health.
    Jennifer Boulanger, New York Daily News, 28 June 2025
  • Or that Atlanta was about a half decade into innovating this thing of ours in ways that no city had since its South Bronx genesis.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • The venture firm Sequoia Capital ranks Palantir experience as the top pedigree for startup founders, for instance.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
  • Despite his activity and pedigree as a member of Kill Cliff FC, the UFC moved on from Loosa.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origin. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on origin

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