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 Ídolo, from Futuro Media, explores Sanchez’s origins, rise, and violent end. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025 The agreement was sealed at the end of 2022 with H&M Group and stipulates that the solar park will provide the Swedish fashion retailer with 95 percent of the renewable energy and guarantees of origin produced. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025 Quilts also tell origin stories. Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025 The origin of this purported rift dates back to the final game of the 2024 regular season, when Hill not only prematurely pulled himself out of the game but essentially asked for a trade. Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for origin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origin
Noun
  • Ukrainian and Western governments have accused North Korea of supplying significant amounts of ammunition and troops to support Russia's war, while Kyiv and its NATO backers have identified China as Moscow's prime source of materiel and a vital economic lifeline.
    Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Their goal was to find an IP address — the unique identifier assigned to every cell phone and computer — that could reveal the source.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For example, most types of turfgrass have short roots, and soil samples from lawns only need to be dug to a depth of 4 inches.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The roots of my family tree are firmly established in the soil of Great Britain.
    Elizabeth Bass Parman, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The film claims Kahlo was of Indigenous Zapotec ancestry on her mother’s side, and thus briefly engages with that civilization’s worldview.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Our family tree is more like a bush, with lots of twigs that were dead ends—failed evolutionary experiments that occurred outside of our direct line of ancestry.
    Kate Wong, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • However, looking deep into these swirling cradles of planet formation has always been tricky.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025
  • That success reshaped global conservation practice and earned the park its reputation as the cradle of rhino conservation.
    Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The bill replaces the state’s once-a-year test with three shorter exams, to be given at the beginning, middle and end of the school year.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
  • From the very beginning of launching her brand, Mutayo set her sights on the world stage.
    Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Studio, of course, comes from a lineage of showbiz comedies that asked celebrities to play themselves.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
  • As her estranged father feeds the fetus victims to ensure its birth, the couple is forced to confront a terrifying legacy of betrayal, twisted faith, and demonic lineage.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Arlington Tomorrow Foundation has supported 552 projects around the city with over $49 million granted since the organization’s genesis, Executive Director Carolyn Mentesana said.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Its genesis was a 2009 Tax Court opinion about a deal that was basically legitimate - Kiva Dunes Conservation, LLC.
    Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Best Hotels & Resorts Wander the Resort Want privacy with a design pedigree to match?
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • There is no doubting Rolfo’s pedigree, a two-time Champions League winner with Barcelona.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origin. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on origin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!