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 Typically originating on a large canvas, the art often incorporates acrylic paint and graphics pulled from old textbooks and newspapers, emergency manuals, and junk-shop magazines. Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2025 The misogynistic noise became so loud that even Doug Cockle, who originated the role of Geralt in the games, chimed in. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025 Every volcanic eruption has a unique chemistry, which scientists can use to determine which eruption a particular sample of volcanic material originated from. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 Sep. 2025 The actress originated her breakout role of Eleven on the smash Netflix series Stranger Things when the show debuted in 2016. Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for originate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originate
Verb
  • Like Nabers, Beckham played college football for the LSU Tigers, and like Nabers, Beckham began his NFL career as a first-round draft pick for the Giants.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The show is a campy, 1980s-style whodunit that begins with the funeral of a famous singer.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Clot formation is a health risk arising from sluggish blood flow through the veins.
    Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The political resonance of his project arises not from an explicit statement of values but from a tender demonstration of complex, undeniable humanity.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • What started as a small collaboration grew into a global movement, now marked each year by millions who wear pink ribbons, participate in walks, and push for advances in research and early detection.
    Dr. Noor Shaik, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • While homes are sitting on the market longer now, keeping supply higher than a year ago, more sellers are starting to delist their properties.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The case, which initially appeared to be the tragic end to a stalking situation, revealed how Daniel thoroughly created a false narrative using burner phones and carefully planned digital deception, all while playing the role of a concerned husband.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Johnson appeared at the Zurich Film Festival, where she was set to receive the Golden Eye Award.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But by noon, preparations would fully commence.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Edwards will direct and produce under his label The King Productions, with production to commence this fall at Rock River Studios in Northern Illinois.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Overall, there are 838 total general officers and admirals on active duty -- 446 of them are from the higher two-star, three-star and four-star ranks -- according to the Pentagon's latest statistics from June.
    Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Lewis said during Monday’s midday press conference that there were plans in the works to again get tickets distributed.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Originate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originate. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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