as in origin
the source from which something grows or develops
this hastily scribbled equation on a cocktail napkin became the germ of a new scientific theory
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of germ
Simply take a soft cloth with a mild cleaner and give them a wipe—both to remove dust and grime, and to clear off any lingering germs that might hop from person to person.
—
Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
Some of them could pass their resistance genes to more dangerous germs, raising concerns about the potential development of highly drug-resistant superbugs.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 8 Feb. 2026
Raw milk has not been pasteurized — a process that heats milk to remove disease-causing germs.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Then use a bleach solution or sanitizing spray to reduce germs.
—Kendall Bettle, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
Some of them could pass their resistance genes to more dangerous germs, raising concerns about the potential development of highly drug-resistant superbugs.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 8 Feb. 2026
Raw milk has not been pasteurized — a process that heats milk to remove disease-causing germs.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Then use a bleach solution or sanitizing spray to reduce germs.
—Kendall Bettle, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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Bauer proposed an amendment to state that a government body shouldn’t take action to prohibit, deny, restrict or interfere with the right to marry based on race, color, ethnicity or national origin.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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Though the term has a rich history in hockey, its origins lie in cricket.—
Suzanne Nuyen,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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While neighboring vineyards resorted to grafting their vines onto pest-resistant American roots, DRC used various intensive strategies to keep its original European vines intact, at least until the 1940s.—
Pin Yen Tan 9 min ago,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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In 2017, McRae went back to her YouTube roots and uploaded a video of herself singing an original ballad.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Some business leaders – notably Michael Dell – have pledged to make one-time $250 seed contributions to the accounts of certain groups of children from middle- to lower-income households.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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This version of the Hawaiian snack — buttery and tossed with seaweed and sesame seeds — is adapted from food stylist Caroline Hwang’s recipe, which was passed to her from her friend, Corey Chow, former chef de cuisine at Per Se in New York, who adapted it from his mom.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Intertextuality is described by Scarlett Barton in perhaps the opposite way, as linked to Roland Barthes’ observation that the author is dead, and that the text is the dissolution of every kind of voice, every beginning and core.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
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This approach may appeal to taxpayers who want more personalized guidance at the beginning of the tax relief process before deciding how to proceed.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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