1
as in source
a point or place at which something is invented or provided
the origins of human language remain a matter of considerable debate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in root
the source from which something grows or develops
the origin of the tradition of giving presents at Christmastime
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in ancestry
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended
they could trace their origins back 15 generations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of origin
Despite their common origins, similar cultures, and long ties of commerce and kinship, the countries grew to hate each other as only estranged family members can.
—
Tom Bell, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
From names with Biblical origins to those that reference mythical gods, there is no shortage of interesting, strong, and powerful celestial names.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 11 Apr. 2025
The mill is building traceability into its cotton as well with a project that will help brands (and eventually consumers) gain visibility into the origins of their cotton.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Baseball is a world of a million origin stories.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for origin
Tom Bell, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
From names with Biblical origins to those that reference mythical gods, there is no shortage of interesting, strong, and powerful celestial names.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 11 Apr. 2025
The mill is building traceability into its cotton as well with a project that will help brands (and eventually consumers) gain visibility into the origins of their cotton.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Baseball is a world of a million origin stories.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for origin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origin
Noun
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Tesla's lower-cost Model Y: US launch pushed back as sources reveal production challengesNeed a break?—
Mike Scarcella,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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As a supply chain executive, we are uniquely positioned to turn your operations from a source of risk into an engine of sustainability and innovation.—
Richard Howells,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But a personal encounter with veganism pulled her back to her culinary roots — this time with a mission.—
Sierra Knoch,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2025
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The long tap root can be eaten raw in salads or boiled and eaten like parsnips.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Customers send vials of their saliva to 23andMe for results on ancestry and health.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Apr. 2025
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In Kevin Nguyen’s gripping novel, the U.S. government sets up internment camps for citizens of Vietnamese ancestry following a wave of terrorist attacks.—
Meg Zukin,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Lina Zeldovich November 6, 2018 The cradle of civilization may not support our civilization anymore.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Apr. 2025
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Soon, a humble little rock cradle appears, painstakingly assembled and fiercely defended.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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What To Know James appeared on the Special Report with Areva Martin podcast on Tuesday, and was asked at the beginning of the interview about the DOJ reviewing the fraud allegations against her.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
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The painstaking installation process began at the beginning of 2024, and took months of work to complete before it could be utilized for the first time.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Scientists urged conservation efforts to save the unique lineage.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2025
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After the Challenger accident in 1986, NASA launched most of its satellites on expendable rockets, like the Atlas, Delta, and Titan launch vehicles that traced their lineages to the 1950s.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The genesis of the company came in the late 1990s, when Jeremy Sorzano, one of Bredeman’s soccer teammates at Pennsylvania’s Messiah University, was a pro for the Charlotte Eagles, a team mired in the third level of the USL.—
Brendan Coffey,
Sportico.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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One of the most influential bands in history, the genesis of The Beatles dates back to the late 1950s when McCartney and Lennon first came together in the Quarrymen.—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The film comes with strong festival pedigree, having received the SGIFF Short Film Fund and the Singapore Momo Distribution Grant.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2025
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Such is the appeal of the new Chinese restaurant on 79th Street Causeway, a stylish but comfortable spot hidden within a modest property, with a startling culinary pedigree and a menu that may challenge your idea of what a neighborhood Chinese restaurant should be.—
Connie Ogle,
Miami Herald,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origin. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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