inception

noun

in-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce inception (audio)
Definition of inceptionnext
as in beginning
the point at which something begins this seemed like a good program at its inception, but it isn't working out as planned

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word inception distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of inception are origin, root, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When could origin be used to replace inception?

The words origin and inception are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

When is root a more appropriate choice than inception?

The synonyms root and inception are sometimes interchangeable, but root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When can source be used instead of inception?

While the synonyms source and inception are close in meaning, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile
the source of recurrent trouble

Example Sentences

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 inception Ever since its inception, AEW has become a home for wrestlers who were not able to reach their full potential in WWE. —Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 Vanessa Hudgens hasn’t even had the chance to swap her summer crochet linens for winter crochet wools, but the California concert promoter has already released the lineup for the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the earliest announcement since the event’s inception in 1999. —Arielle Gordon, Pitchfork, 16 Sep. 2025 RuPaul’s Drag Race has been a significant platform for LGBTQ+ artists since its inception in 2009. —Liza Esquibias, People.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Since the project's inception, Watkins said over 10,000 dresses have been donated. —Emma George-Griffin, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inception
  1. beginning
  2. commencement
  3. start
  4. onset
  5. launch
  6. alpha
Noun
  • The arrival marked the beginning of a day steeped in royal tradition and diplomatic symbolism.
    — Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai sees the ‘beginning to see some kind of bubble,’ then it’s probably justified.
    — Heather Farmbrough, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • The University of Southern California said security concerns prompted it to cancel the commencement speech of its 2024 valedictorian, who was an outspoken advocate for Palestinians, according to The Associated Press.
    — BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Bastian often mentions this experience in commencement speeches to encourage graduates that their futures are unlimited.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of commencement
Noun
  • This son of Justify, like his pappy, was unraced at two but has two wins, a second, and a third in five starts this year.
    — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Chargers got off to a hot start to the season in year two under Jim Harbaugh by defeating the Chiefs 27-21 in the NFL season opener.
    — Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of start
Noun
  • At the onset of a project, the company raises a round of capital from impact investment and works out a construction loan for a new vision of the property that adds density, and delivers a ton of value to the homeowner.
    — Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The incubation period, the time between exposure to the virus and symptom onset, may last weeks to months.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of onset
Noun
  • Blue-collar YouTuber In Southern California, 19-year-old HVAC technician Itzcoatl Aguilar is still on the launch pad.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025
  • In the 1990s, both Kuwait and the UAE bought hundreds of Russian BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles and BM-30 Smerch multiple launch rocket systems to augment their respective land forces.
    — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of launch
Noun
  • Flaxseeds are one of the best plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3.
    — Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2025
  • This repeat Best of Beauty winner continues to wow us with its lightweight formula that resurfaces with alpha-hydroxy acids and hydrates with marula and shea butters.
    — Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of alpha

Browse Nearby Words

incentives
inception
inceptions
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Cite this Entry

“Inception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inception. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

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