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
Even chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and names like Royal Doulton, Aynsley and Wedgwood highlight the international origins of the products.
—
Eric D. Lawrence, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025
The feature is more than one billion years older than the previous first-place contender, and could hold important implications for understanding the origin of life on our planet.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025
The exact blend can vary widely based on the geographic origin of the recipe and personal preference, but most curry powders include turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, and black pepper.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2025
Although questions still surround the origin of proto-henges, the researchers believe Flagstones was a prototype for later monuments like Stonehenge based on the new chronology.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for origin
Eric D. Lawrence, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025
The feature is more than one billion years older than the previous first-place contender, and could hold important implications for understanding the origin of life on our planet.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025
The exact blend can vary widely based on the geographic origin of the recipe and personal preference, but most curry powders include turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, and black pepper.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2025
Although questions still surround the origin of proto-henges, the researchers believe Flagstones was a prototype for later monuments like Stonehenge based on the new chronology.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for origin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origin
Noun
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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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Featuring artists such as Talib Kweli, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Terrace Martin, Jean Baylor, and Bilal, the album explores the roots of jazz and Hip-Hop while reimagining their possibilities for the future.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
10 Mar. 2025
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Shabtai shows us a tattoo on his arm that’s a reminder of his grandmother and her roots.—
Andy Wang,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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These individuals appear to have merged with larger populations that were unrelated to the Xiongnu, many of them with European ancestry, forming a group with genetically diverse backgrounds, according to the study.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
3 Mar. 2025
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Certain genetic variants, or mutations, are often linked to ancestry, and some have been connected to poor health outcomes.—
Leah Small,
Scientific American,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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But in 2018, Dr. Scerri and her colleagues challenged the idea that East African grasslands were the single cradle of humanity.—
Carl Zimmer,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2025
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All of this sits on a double cradle structure and dual backbone which helps with light sports riding and stability at high speeds by fusing suppleness and stability.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
For example, in the experiment, oaths were more effective when they were placed at the end, just before participants reported their income, rather than at the very beginning of the game.—
IESE Business School,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
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The Dow Jones Industrial Average is now down 2.1% since the beginning of President Donald Trump ’s second term.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The release marks the next evolution of OpenAI's flagship model lineage that has been an industry front-runner since the start of the generative-AI boom.—
Ina Fried,
Axios,
27 Feb. 2025
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After news of the narrator’s Hamas lineage broke last week, the BBC initially appeared to try and put distance between the narrator and his father, before subsequently saying it hadn’t been given the full information and adding a disclaimer.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
26 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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Russell Wilson is the other quarterback on the market with Super Bowl pedigree, and reports indicate he is expected to visit with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, followed by the Giants on Friday.—
Scott Thompson,
Fox News,
13 Mar. 2025
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Despite its great pedigree, The Franchise did not attract large enough audience, leading to the cancellation.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
10 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origin. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
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