Synonym Chooser

How is the word inception distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of inception are origin, root, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When could origin be used to replace inception?

The words origin and inception are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

When is root a more appropriate choice than inception?

The synonyms root and inception are sometimes interchangeable, but root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When can source be used instead of inception?

While the synonyms source and inception are close in meaning, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile
the source of recurrent trouble

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 inception From its inception to the present day, the mortality data system has been plagued by inconsistencies, inefficiencies and tensions between medical professionals, state governments and the federal government. Dylan Thomas Doyle, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2025 Since the band’s inception in the early ’90s, Garbage has been beloved among Latin American audiences. Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 19 Mar. 2025 This program has provided life-saving HIV/AIDS care to low-income countries since 2003, and has saved more than 26 million lives since its inception. Omer Awan, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 Over the past nearly 20 years since its inception, BlizzCon has inspired us to innovate, push the boundaries of creativity, and deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inception
Noun
  • San Sebastián, however, has taken a different and more inclusive approach from the very beginning.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
  • That study ran from the end of 2012 to the beginning of 2019.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Snoop Dogg is set to deliver the 2025 commencement address at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business graduation ceremony as announced by the university on Tuesday (March 25).
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Usher is set to deliver the keynote address at Emory University’s 180th commencement this spring when the R&B legend takes the podium at the graduation on May 12.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • About Riley Green Riley Green got his start playing in bars and restaurants around his hometown of Jacksonville, Alabama—and lately he’s been performing in stadiums for tens of thousands.
    Sid Evans, Southern Living, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Adrian Kempe scored for the Kings, and Darcy Kuemper — fresh off shutouts in his last two starts — had 19 saves and had his shutout streak end at 176:06.
    Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The world has been in a state of perpetual transformation since the onset of the pandemic.
    Pablo Listingart, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Measles rash appears three to five days after the onset of the first symptoms.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Take note of a brand new art prize This year marks the launch of the new MGM Discoveries Art Prize, dedicated to supporting emerging artists at a pivotal stage in their careers.
    Kissa Castaneda, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Integra Investments and co-developer Flying Point announced this week the launch of Soreno Fort Lauderdale, a 14-story luxury condominium offering 76 upscale one- to three-bedroom residencies ranging from 1,080 to 2,400 square feet.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But as the article points out, alpha has entered the wider lexicon as a term for a highly desirable and respected man.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Think how much effort goes into marginal improvements in portfolio construction or risk management or alpha generation.
    Philip Maymin, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inception. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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