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 Prior to Chainalysis’ finding that the $31 million donation appears to have originated at AlphaBay, the independent crypto-tracing investigator known as ZachXBT had already posted to his account on X his own findings that the money didn't appear to have come from the Silk Road. —Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 5 June 2025 Upon closer inspection, the material was found to have originated from ruptured (hemolyzed) red blood cells, whose sticky contents had spewed out and clogged the microvasculature. —Paul McClure 05, New Atlas, 5 June 2025 Vietnam’s two-child limit originated in the 1960s in Northern Vietnam to help prevent overpopulation, the Guardian reported. —Nick Butler, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025 Photo by Keith Weller, USDA Agricultural Research Service Kistler said scientists believe F. graminearum likely originated in North America, because all of its closest relatives have been found on the continent. —Alexander Tin june 4, CBS News, 4 June 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
  • Entering the homestretch, Journalism poked his head in front as Rodriguez began to fall back.
    — John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
  • But what began as an ordinary evening would soon become one of the region's most haunting cold cases.
    — Christina Coulter, People.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of begin
Verb
  • Some problems arise in the fine print and Fox is transformed into a flesh-eating demon.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • Often, this insight arose in conversation with other women, in consciousness-raising groups.
    — Dayna Tortorici, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Definition of arise
Verb
  • With more than two dozen licenses in a multitude of categories far beyond fashion, the top-tier creations serve as reminder of how Wang started her namesake company 36 years ago.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 9 June 2025
  • Pinch-hitter Howie Kendrick starts things off against Craig Stammen, and is followed by Trea Turner, Adam Eaton and Anthony Rendon, who all go yard.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Definition of start
Verb
  • Slezak is set to appear in Craig Brewer's musical film Song Sung Blue at the end of this year.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 13 June 2025
  • Her work has appeared at The New York Times, TIME, The Cut, Oprah Magazine, The Guardian, Salon, The Washington Post, and elsewhere.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 June 2025
Definition of appear
Verb
  • What Happens Next The talks will commence in London on Monday, according to Trump's Truth Social post.
    — Hannah Parry Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • The Pitt actress Shabana Azeez, who played Dr. Javadi, recently posted a picture confirming that filming had commenced as planned in June, just a short while after The Pitt season 1 ended.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of commence
Verb
  • So we were delayed in getting there because there was just so much damage.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 16 June 2025
  • That vertical been enormously successful for iHeart, for Charlamagne and the talent associated with Black Effect.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 16 June 2025
Definition of be

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Originate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originate. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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