Synonym Chooser

How does the verb originate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of originate are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of originate?

Arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent.

new questions have arisen
slowly rose to prominence

When can derive be used instead of originate?

While in some cases nearly identical to originate, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

When is emanate a more appropriate choice than originate?

In some situations, the words emanate and originate are roughly equivalent. However, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How are the words flow and spring related as synonyms of originate?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When might issue be a better fit than originate?

The meanings of issue and originate largely overlap; however, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When is it sensible to use proceed instead of originate?

The words proceed and originate can be used in similar contexts, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When would spring be a good substitute for originate?

While the synonyms spring and originate are close in meaning, spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

When could stem be used to replace originate?

Although the words stem and originate have much in common, stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

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 originate Campari is an Italian aperitif that originated in Italy in the 1800s. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025 Proponents have long invoked civil rights language to promote vouchers, a disturbing rhetorical choice given vouchers originated as a tool for southern white parents to avoid the Supreme Court's desegregation order in Brown v. Board of Education. Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 Joseph Zada will play a young Haymitch, originated by Woody Harrelson, while Whitney Peak will play his girlfriend and a Covey descendent, Lenore Dove Baird. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 14 May 2025 But though they were shipped from Australia, the custom components originated in China, subjecting them to the 145% tariff Trump has levied on Chinese products. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for originate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originate
Verb
  • Jennifer Donahue, a spokesperson for Massachusetts state courts, confirmed day 15 of the trial is set to begin at 9 a.m.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • After an ear-splitting sound, the wind began to calm.
    Gwen Rockwood, Arkansas Online, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • President Trump’s intermediary deals with China and the U.K. have done little to convince Jamie Dimon that market volatility arising out of White House tariff policy is over.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 16 May 2025
  • This lack of control arises from the sense that nothing will change.
    Woodrie Burich, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • This is where strategic thinking becomes impactful, as leaders start operating collectively with others to redefine what is possible.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • May 15 Initial location: Avenida Manana / Running Rabbit Road, Murrieta, Riverside County, Calif. Fire unit: Cal Fire Riverside Unit Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Baxter Fire Baxter Fire initially started today at 3:28 p.m. in Riverside County.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The chaos at Newark and Atlanta highlights problems that have become increasingly common, with summer travel season around the corner By A version of this article originally appeared in Quartz’s members-only Weekend Brief newsletter.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 19 May 2025
  • Benson made a brief but memorable cameo in the live-action film, appearing as a vendor at a marketplace who hands Bailey a fork on land.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Indeed, the pricing-in may commence prior to the earnings disclosure.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • Her full free agency is anticipated to commence in July 2025.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • But there is a difference between refining and retreating.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • Additionally, if there are any steps that are confusing, now is the time to do the research or watch a video.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Originate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originate. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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