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
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Recent Examples of germ
Cleaning is the act of removing dirt and germs from a surface, whereas disinfecting kills germs.
—
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2026
Infection is usually caused by inhaling germs from the rodents’ urine, droppings or saliva that have become airborne.
—Lauren Dunn, NBC news, 7 May 2026
Apart from tracking people, scientists are also trying to understand the germ.
—ABC News, 7 May 2026
The high temperatures that a standard washer uses are enough to eliminate germs.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2026
Infection is usually caused by inhaling germs from the rodents’ urine, droppings or saliva that have become airborne.
—Lauren Dunn, NBC news, 7 May 2026
Apart from tracking people, scientists are also trying to understand the germ.
—ABC News, 7 May 2026
The high temperatures that a standard washer uses are enough to eliminate germs.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
-
This one comes with its original box and original certificate of origin.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
13 May 2026
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To portray Goliath’s origin story, actors were filmed on green screens and AI was used to generate a mythical sequence involving dark sky, rain, mountains and angels with wings.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Noun
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What is striking about this moment is that America is not merely acknowledging the Jewish roots of some of its values historically, but openly turning again to a distinctly Jewish practice as a possible source of wisdom for the present.—
Ari Berman,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
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Many stayed, putting down roots that grew into multigenerational farming families who continue to shape the region’s dynamic food scene.—
Vivian Chung,
Travel + Leisure,
14 May 2026
Noun
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The Cavs were eliminated in the second round again last season as the top seed.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
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Second seed Lake Howell (27-5) bounced out to a 17-10 lead in the first set but watched the lead slip away and had to battle to pull out the 27-25 win.—
Bill Kemp,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2026
Noun
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The language of covenant, liberty, moral responsibility, human dignity, and redemption helped shape the nation’s moral imagination from the very beginning.—
Ari Berman,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
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And the most exciting part is that this is only the beginning.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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