ORIGINATED Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

originated

verb

past tense of originate

as in began

to come into existence the theory of relativity originated with Albert Einstein

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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 originated Escola penned the play, which reimagines Mary Todd Lincoln as a wannabe cabaret singer with a prediction for booze, and originated the role of Mary Todd. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026 Both companies originated in France but have expanded into Spain and Portugal, while Cegid also has a presence in Germany. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026 Joe Mantello’s production, which originated at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, starred Laurie Metcalf. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 The same action carries very different risk depending on which originated it. — Aviv Mussinger, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026 The tiny particle originated in an enormous gamma-ray burst two billion light-years away from Earth. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 8 Sep. 2026 The idea for the event had originated not with the co-hosts but with Partiful itself. — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026 This story originated as part of Deadline’s Comedy Means Business newsletter, tracking comedy from all angles. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026 In Douglas County, the expansion campaign also originated in an outside initiative, and it’s taken on a distinctly more political tone — with no shortage of last-minute drama. — John Aguilar, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for originated

Verb

Wilson is a seventh-year player who began his career at Fordham and spent 2023 and 2024 at Old Dominion before transferring to Indiana last year.

— Antonio Morales, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Since the war with Iran began in late February, the nationwide average diesel price has soared by 60%.

— Steve Kopack, NBC news, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of began

Verb

Mayfield, who injured his left shoulder in late November against the Los Angeles Rams, started all 17 games last year for the third season in a row and passed for 3,693 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
Several of these improvements started with the haul the Cowboys got in the Parsons trade last summer, which has afforded Dallas opportunities to address the gaping holes on this team.

— Zak Keefer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of started

Verb

At first glance, the second-guessing commenced as Leading Change had only two career starts to his credit.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
The game commenced with four unanswered scores from Jenks and sloppy play from Southlake Carroll that included a handful of early penalties, messy substitutions and a lack of rhythm.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of commenced

Verb

Marte’s line drive exited his bat at 93 mph and appeared to glance off the left side of Perdomo’s head.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Scary moment The game was delayed several minutes early in the third quarter after Northwestern offensive lineman Jackson Carsello appeared to take a teammate’s knee to his helmet at the end of a play.

— Scott Held, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of appeared

Verb

The gigantic sinkhole, which formed in the driveway of the Malibu, California, home, is estimated to be up to 30 feet deep, 30 feet wide and 60 feet long, according to a proclamation of a local emergency issued by the City of Malibu.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
New partnerships were formed to quickly turn laboratory research into practical tools for manufacturers.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of formed

Verb

Scripps has emerged as a leader in women’s sports broadcasting.

— Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Vela Gonzalez was dragged down the concrete steps and pushed to the ground by two agents, before a third agent emerged to handcuff him, according to video footage reviewed by The Times.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of emerged

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originate

originated

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“Originated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originated. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of originated

verb

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