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 Demonstrating its origins and route of travel essentially disputes that the virus appeared out of nowhere in Wuhan. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 7 May 2025 According to the Federal Aviation Administration, inbound traffic to Newark is being delayed at its origin airport by an average of 161 minutes. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 7 May 2025 Some of the study’s authors had previously suggested that magnetar giant flares could be the mysterious other origin. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025 Columbus was a stand-in for the nation’s hagiographic origin story, much like the Mayflower or its Western pioneers. Philip Elliott, Time, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for origin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origin
Noun
  • Players responded well to the demands, according to a source who, like all referenced in this piece, wished to remain anonymous to protect relationships.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • Possible funding source But whatever the cost, the city has a source of cash to make the lease payments: $14 million that is yet to be spent on the $16 million project approved last fall to build holding cells on the top floor of Police Headquarters, Finance Director Tammy Queen said.
    Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • But new evidence suggests this spicy root may also benefit something even more vital: your heart.
    Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 9 May 2025
  • But Bob Prevost is still an American and a lifelong White Sox fan, befitting his South Side roots.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Krishnamoorthi would be the 10th Asian American in the Senate and only the second senator with South Asian ancestry.
    Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 8 May 2025
  • Then — boom — Saturn enters Aries on May 24th, activating your sector of home, ancestry, and emotional foundation for the first time since 1999.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This is a custom layer within the mattress designed to adapt and cradle sleepers at any position.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 9 May 2025
  • Image Cardinal Parolin grew up in Schiavon, a small town in the northern Italian region of Veneto that is known as a cradle of popes.
    Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • The inaugural Mass marked the official beginning of Leo’s pontificate.
    Molly Bohannon, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • Coming back as a judge 20 years later is such a special full-circle moment for me and it’s meant a lot to share that journey with the people that have been there from the beginning, as well as a whole new generation of Idol fans.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • The resulting story of Pope Leo’s lineage shines a light on our imperfect American history while bringing an extra layer of pride to people from Louisiana.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 14 May 2025
  • According to Back, this intellectual aristocracy persisted until the dilution of Bloomsbury by new members from outside the family lineage.
    Jenny Noyce, JSTOR Daily, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Kashmir, one of the most heavily militarized regions in the world and one that has served as the genesis for bloodshed between the two South Asian powerhouses, will have to be at the top of the list in any peace process.
    Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
  • That was the genesis of my connection with the beverage.
    Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Director Stephen Williams' pedigree includes Watchmen, Westworld, and Lost, but he’s also got zombie cred, having helmed episodes of The Walking Dead and The Returned.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 12 May 2025
  • Given its pedigree in integration, the company is now extending its core platform and tools to offer an increasing number of agentic AI-facing technologies.
    Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origin. Accessed 23 May. 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!