as in origin
the source from which something grows or develops
this hastily scribbled equation on a cocktail napkin became the germ of a new scientific theory
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of germ
The machine draws water from the lagoon, it is purified naturally then treated with reverse osmosis and UV light to kill germs.
—
Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Instead the story became the germ for another novel.
—Alex Vernon
may 27, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025
Read More: When to Go to the Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care
Keeping your head above water can help reduce the likelihood of gulping down germs.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 23 May 2025
After all, the more diverse the microbiome, the better we’re protected from germs, as a Stanford study shows.
—Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Instead the story became the germ for another novel.
—Alex Vernon
may 27, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025
Read More: When to Go to the Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care
Keeping your head above water can help reduce the likelihood of gulping down germs.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 23 May 2025
After all, the more diverse the microbiome, the better we’re protected from germs, as a Stanford study shows.
—Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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In conversation with Forbes Life, Stoddard speaks about her travels during her research, the origins of ralli and the future of this age-old, beautiful craft.—
Sonya Rehman,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
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The movie charts the influential British rock group's origin story in the late 1960s, from their earliest days – and how everybody wasn't all about that now-iconic name – to their meteoric rise as one of the world's biggest bands.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
Noun
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To remove invasive vines, cut them back to the ground, dig out roots when possible, and apply herbicide directly to fresh cuts with care—never spray near desirable plants.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
14 June 2025
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The root of omakase is creativity, and to that end, there’s also a whole lot of uniqueness of concept found even within the omakase realm – and for fans of omakase, there’s some incredible bucket-list experiences that must be enjoyed.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
Noun
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Following successful capital raises, the company has recently secured a further £1.5 million ($2 million) in seed funding from SFC Capital and Founders Capital in a round led by Coterie Holdings, who own fine wine merchants such as Lay & Wheeler and Hallgarten & Novum wines.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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The Kings won 48 games under former coach Mike Brown to secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, ending the longest playoff drought in NBA history after 16 consecutive losing seasons.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2025
Noun
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Bulls will point to yesterday’s event as just the beginning of an exciting path of growth.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
23 June 2025
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He’s been trying really from the beginning to bring the 10 Black mob families together.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
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