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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of origin
Per reporting by left-leaning AlterNet, the initial victims' police report described a phone call where officers could hear Mills instructing the victim to lie about the origins of her bruises.
—
Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
The satellite is designed to map the entire sky in 3D and study the origins of the universe.
—Denise Chow, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2025
This month, a new kind of space telescope is setting out on a two-year mission to create four complete maps of the entire celestial sky that will catalog the origins of the universe and seek out the ingredients of life − chiefly water and carbon dioxide molecules − in distant interstellar clouds.
—Stephen J. Beard, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
Screenwriter Zak Penn—who wrote PCU with then writing partner Adam Leff—embraces his role as one of the rule’s parents and confirms its origins in their script.
—Brendan Hay, SPIN, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for origin
Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
The satellite is designed to map the entire sky in 3D and study the origins of the universe.
—Denise Chow, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2025
This month, a new kind of space telescope is setting out on a two-year mission to create four complete maps of the entire celestial sky that will catalog the origins of the universe and seek out the ingredients of life − chiefly water and carbon dioxide molecules − in distant interstellar clouds.
—Stephen J. Beard, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
Screenwriter Zak Penn—who wrote PCU with then writing partner Adam Leff—embraces his role as one of the rule’s parents and confirms its origins in their script.
—Brendan Hay, SPIN, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for origin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origin
Noun
-
For revenue from conference media deals, the department’s biggest source of income, the Seminoles projected $44.4 million in 2024 and $49.9 million in 2025, followed by a large jump to $78.9 million in 2026.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
5 Mar. 2025
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Another source said the cause of his death is unclear.—
Michael Kaplan,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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But these are temporary fixes that fail to address the root cause: a healthcare system that is failing to match the supply with demand.—
Renee Hsia,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
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This allergy medication targets the root of the problem that causes red, scaly and itchy skin.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Most African Americans have sub-Saharan West African ancestry.—
Leah Small,
Scientific American,
24 Feb. 2025
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The transition to her new, cold home also could be difficult due to a cat's ancestry.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Imagine visitors from around the world paying tribute to the cradle of civilization, enjoying all of Syria's majestic nature and history in safety and security.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
21 Feb. 2025
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His lightning-quick, single-leg takedown went right into a cradle.—
Kevin J. Farmer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
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What led people to that conclusion was a shot of a laptop showing a gambling site at the beginning of the video; also visible was the shadow of another person seen in the window reflections, which many alleged was the drone pilot himself.—
Dimitar 'Mix' Mihov,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
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The Premier League also suspended its six-year deal with Match TV, a Russian broadcaster, that was due to start at the beginning of the 2022-23 season.—
Dan Sheldon,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The story—Franklin had appreciatively sung back to her a line from the performance—might have been the lead anecdote in a profile of Erivo that sought to place her in a lineage of distinguished vocalists.—
Rebecca Mead,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
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Sidney Crosby’s 2010 Golden Goal was part of a long lineage of U.S. disappointment in best-on-best tournaments against Canada.—
Alex Kirshner,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Sports spoke with me about the genesis of this effort.—
Karen Weaver,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
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What began as a therapeutic outlet — and a place for dad and child to bond — eventually turned into the genesis of Linn’s impressive career in the sport that continues this weekend at the USA Climbing Paraclimbing National Championships in Oakland, Calif.—
Kyle Newman,
The Denver Post,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Unlike a lot of Fertitta properties, this one came with a pedigree — Teddy Roosevelt and Liza Minnelli had been regulars.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
26 Feb. 2025
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His familiarity with head coach Craig Berube, his winning pedigree and his competitive two-way game are incredibly attractive.—
Jonas Siegel,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origin. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
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