Synonym Chooser

How is the word origin distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of origin are inception, root, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," 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

In what contexts can inception take the place of origin?

Although the words inception and origin have much in common, inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When might root be a better fit than origin?

While in some cases nearly identical to origin, root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When is source a more appropriate choice than origin?

The meanings of source and origin largely overlap; however, 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 origin The song came back to him years later, despite its traumatic origin. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025 Although it’s found being generated in many places, from outflows in Herbig-Haro objects to planetary nebulae, one origin story for dust outstrips all others. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 12 Sep. 2025 The document did not confirm the origin of the equipment, but many such products are manufactured in China. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025 In July, two veterans employed by GHF were attacked with grenades of Iranian origin, which are commonly used by Hamas, while delivering aid. Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for origin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origin
Noun
  • That's part of the 'framework' agreement for TikTok, which will also include new and existing investors in its Chinese parent company ByteDance, sources told CNBC's David Faber.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
  • As demand for electricity surged to power more electric devices in homes and Big Tech's boom in data centers, renewable energy has been the go-to source for the cheapest, fastest way to generate more juice.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This Chardonnay is both a step forward and a nod to its roots, Myers says, as Chardonnay was one of the first grapes that founder Justin Baldwin planted in his vineyard.
    Jeanette Hurt, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The problem is that standing water in the soil deprives roots of oxygen.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • With over 300 votes and 60 comments on the Reddit post already, many internet users shared their thoughts on Rudy's unexpected ancestry.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The artist better known to his international collectors as Móyò, has been evolving the character – a personal archetype, a spiritual sentinel, and a bridge between worlds – for over eight years, exploring his Yoruba ancestry and urban mythology.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This project will also focus on creating a space with multicultural appeal, in the center of the cradle of the Renaissance.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • However, looking deep into these swirling cradles of planet formation has always been tricky.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025
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
Noun
  • The result is a Gen Z-meets-mini-Nicole moment that feels like a respectful nod to her famous family lineage.
    Olivia Allen, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Agriodontosaurus shows us that the earliest members of the lizard lineage were far more diverse and had a much broader range of feeding strategies than previously imagined.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The genesis of this new event reportedly stems from previous discussions about expanding the WrestleMania brand itself.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Working with director Alex Timbers, Resnick – who has been with the project since its 2017 genesis at the 92nd Street Y – helped determine which songs would be deployed as storytelling devices and which ones as jaw-dropping showcases.
    Joe Lynch, Billboard, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Unlike the Panthère—crowned the it girl watch of the 2020s—or the Tank Française, with its royal pedigree, the Demoiselle remained overlooked.
    Malaika Crawford, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The feel of the game betrays the development team’s excellent Super Mario Odyssey pedigree.
    Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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