originate

verb

ə-ˈri-jə-ˌnāt How to pronounce originate (audio)
Definition of originatenext
as in to begin
to come into existence the theory of relativity originated with Albert Einstein

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb originate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of originate are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of originate?

Arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent.

new questions have arisen
slowly rose to prominence

When can derive be used instead of originate?

While in some cases nearly identical to originate, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

When is emanate a more appropriate choice than originate?

In some situations, the words emanate and originate are roughly equivalent. However, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How are the words flow and spring related as synonyms of originate?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When might issue be a better fit than originate?

The meanings of issue and originate largely overlap; however, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When is it sensible to use proceed instead of originate?

The words proceed and originate can be used in similar contexts, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When would spring be a good substitute for originate?

While the synonyms spring and originate are close in meaning, spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

When could stem be used to replace originate?

Although the words stem and originate have much in common, stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

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 originate The shower’s shooting stars appear to originate from the southwestern part of the constellation Aquarius. —Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 July 2025 Bongani Khumalo’s animal sculptures are made from wire and tiny beads in a unique process that originated in South Africa (Booth D11). —Daniella Walsh, Oc Register, 28 July 2025 Aykroyd — who appeared on SNL from its inaugural season in 1975 to 1979 and also originated such characters as the Coneheads and the Festrunk Brothers — was referenced several times during the anniversary weekend. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 27 July 2025 Now, the camera continues to pan right, first revealing Danny Glover’s Lt. Mike Harrigan and then Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch, who originated the franchise. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 26 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for originate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originate
  1. begin
  2. arise
  3. start
  4. appear
  5. commence
  6. be
Verb
  • And with this email begins a journey through so much of what Nashville has to offer.
    — Benjamin Goad, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • The Red Sox are competitive this season, but their World Series window is only just beginning to open.
    — Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Definition of begin
Verb
  • Legal complications have arisen since his version of events became a hit TV show.
    — Latoya Gayle, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • When tech issues arise, fingers, by default, point at the IT team.
    — Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of arise
Verb
  • He’s set to start the All-Star Game in right field on Tuesday night.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2025
  • The two got married, had a baby, and started a quiet life together far away from his violent past.
    — Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of start
Verb
  • If clouds interfere, skywatchers will have another chance when Venus and Jupiter, the two brightest planets, will appear closely paired in the sky.
    — Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025
  • Sometimes in his bullpen management, Shildt has appeared extra urgent to win a game.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025
Definition of appear
Verb
  • No work, no people, no complaints When major work will commence again remains unclear, even to neighbors.
    — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2025
  • But candid photos captured the same day of Holmes and Jackson together shooting a mystery project on the streets of New York suggest that production may have already commenced.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of commence
Verb
  • Then there is the signaling problem that arises when the leader of the U.S. government is openly threatening U.S. companies.
    — Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • That doesn’t happen in a community where there is affluence.
    — Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2025
Definition of be

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Cite this Entry

“Originate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of originate for Spanish Speakers

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