Synonym Chooser

How is the word origin distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of origin are inception, root, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," 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

In what contexts can inception take the place of origin?

Although the words inception and origin have much in common, inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When might root be a better fit than origin?

While in some cases nearly identical to origin, root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When is source a more appropriate choice than origin?

The meanings of source and origin largely overlap; however, 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 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
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
  • Another source said the cause of his death is unclear.
    Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Sports spoke with me about the genesis of this effort.
    Karen Weaver, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • 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
  • 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
  • Despite its great pedigree, The Franchise did not attract large enough audience, leading to the cancellation.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2025

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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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