1
as in inventor
one who creates or introduces something new
Thomas Edison was the originator of the light bulb
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in founder
a person who establishes a whole new field of endeavor
Copernicus is sometimes hailed as the originator of modern astronomy, for he overturned the notion of an earth-centered universe
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of originator
About 146 years after that White House dinner, the originators behind McDonald’s began the relentless mission of making sure French fries, and the overall McDonald’s brand, were forever entangled with America.
—
Amanda Hancock, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
This is the originator that’s still innovating.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026
Randy Wright was an eighth-grade civics teacher and is the originator of the Liberty Dollar Bill Act.
—Randy Wright, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2026
The success of Ghosts drove a strong year for British formats, which closed the gap on Korea as K7’s top format originator.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originator
Amanda Hancock, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
This is the originator that’s still innovating.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026
Randy Wright was an eighth-grade civics teacher and is the originator of the Liberty Dollar Bill Act.
—Randy Wright, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2026
The success of Ghosts drove a strong year for British formats, which closed the gap on Korea as K7’s top format originator.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originator
Noun
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The bar’s signature Brunello Bloody Mary nods to the hotel’s long-standing history as the drink's inventors and remains a house classic, richer and more savory than most, thanks to the wine-forward twist.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
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The Baker-Burke moment at Dodger Stadium remains the most widely cited, but the Louisville claim carries real weight — and the cultural threads running through military history and Black American vernacular suggest the gesture may not have had a single inventor at all.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Today guests come not from Rome as the Cité’s founders did, but from across France, northern Spain (the border is just two hours away), England (there are direct Ryanair flights to Carcassonne’s small airport), as well as the US.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
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The idea to create these pieces, which deftly straddle the world of art and fashion, came from a sketch that founder Erin Saluti made more than a decade ago—her dream purse, made from a block of wood.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Throughout her trip to the United States, the Queen has reliably chosen British designers in a subtle showing of sartorial support of her homeland.—
Elise Taylor,
Vanity Fair,
29 Apr. 2026
-
There are editors, costume designers, production designers, and obviously the cast, each with outlets that want their point of view.—
Daren Smith,
IndieWire,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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For a longstanding comedy series like ABC‘s Abbott Elementary, creator Quinta Brunson faces the challenge every season of expanding characters’ backstories and keeping things interesting for those who have watched since Season 1.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
26 Apr. 2026
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RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Willam, Trinity the Tuck, Morgan McMichaels, Gottmik and Symone were also in the mix, as was TikTok creator Harry Daniels, who was reportedly waiting at the door to serenade her on arrival.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As the Ado Annie-like Betsy, a horny teen-ager whose father owns a shotgun, Kurtz is playing a character who should be, and kind of is, a one-joke punch line.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
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Wilson’s father, Bruce, and Sweeney’s mother, Kelly, are Gayle Wilson’s stepchildren, according to TMZ.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That study’s authors suggested that, despite having larger total cranial capacity (more room in their skulls), Neanderthals, on average, had smaller cerebellums than Homo sapiens.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 Apr. 2026
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Cowritten with veteran author Lin Oliver, Hawn's book follows three outlier elementary school students who strike up a friendship and decide to find a home for a rambunctious shelter dog.—
Eric Andersson,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Originator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originator. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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