as in origins
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 germs
And even after a deep cleaning, a sponge will still contain germs that can thrive because of the perpetually moist environment.
—
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
The crew has been in medical quarantine since March 18 to protect their voyage from hitchhiking germs.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
Why tire himself out, become completely exhausted and out of breath, crumple up the bedsheets that were changed just a few days ago, get someone else’s germs all over himself, and then reek of sweat afterward?
—Agnieszka Szpila, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Those were the germs of The Comeback.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 22 Mar. 2026
The aluminum lining also makes cleanup easy—just wipe it down—and helps guard against bacteria and germs.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 15 Mar. 2026
Since many pregnant and postpartum women either struggle with or are recovering from a weak immune system, even germs from sources as innocuous as a bidet can prove irritating.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
When cleaning protocols break down, those germs can spread rapidly in close quarters.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
To go the extra mile, Gagliardi recommends adding a laundry sanitizer to your machine’s fabric softener compartment to kill germs that may have transferred from the dirty laundry.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
The crew has been in medical quarantine since March 18 to protect their voyage from hitchhiking germs.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
Why tire himself out, become completely exhausted and out of breath, crumple up the bedsheets that were changed just a few days ago, get someone else’s germs all over himself, and then reek of sweat afterward?
—Agnieszka Szpila, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Those were the germs of The Comeback.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 22 Mar. 2026
The aluminum lining also makes cleanup easy—just wipe it down—and helps guard against bacteria and germs.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 15 Mar. 2026
Since many pregnant and postpartum women either struggle with or are recovering from a weak immune system, even germs from sources as innocuous as a bidet can prove irritating.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
When cleaning protocols break down, those germs can spread rapidly in close quarters.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
To go the extra mile, Gagliardi recommends adding a laundry sanitizer to your machine’s fabric softener compartment to kill germs that may have transferred from the dirty laundry.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germs
Noun
-
Developed by Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti, the series expands the mythology of Derry, Maine, exploring the origins of Pennywise, the malevolent entity at the center of King’s iconic story.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
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Senior curator Dag Spicer said understanding the origins of technology is key to making sense of its future.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Standing knee-deep in the lo‘i, covered in mud, gently pressing roots into the earth, anchored me in a new way.—
Wassan Al-Khudhairi,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
-
These five artists have combined their Indigenous roots with revolutionary artistic techniques to preserve their cultures in the face of adversity.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
When Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico had each of her players bring in a quote that resonates with them, sophomore guard Olivia Olson provided one that truly encapsulates the Wolverines heading into the only women's NCAA Tournament regional final matching the top two seeds.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The Heat essentially needed to sweep the league’s tankers this season because of its poor 22-29 record against teams with top 10 seeds.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Sporks have come a long way from their humble beginnings in Rhode Island, and as the traveler’s preferred eating utensil, they’re destined to go ever further.—
James Stout,
Outside,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Rose has to shed her former self, find her strength and realize there will be new beginnings.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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