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 The airline described the sole survivor as a British national of Indian origin. Callum Sutherland, Time, 12 June 2025 The sole survivor, the airline confirmed, was a British national of Indian origin. Greg Norman , Bradford Betz , Greg Wehner , Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2025 But Thornton’s origins as a screenwriter and director aren’t part of that. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 12 June 2025 Immigrants are also more susceptible to invisibility as their credit file in the U.S. does not take into account their credit history in their origin country. Afshan Musani, CNBC, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for origin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origin
Noun
  • Lam aims to meet Trump to help finalize an agreement, the sources said, asking not to be identified as the trip isn't finalized yet.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025
  • But now in late May, insider Jeff Sneider and John Rocha discussed the report again, saying that trustworthy sources said that the plan was for The Punisher was to join forces with Spider-Man to fight against The Hulk.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
  • People of Mexican ancestry who live in border counties along the Rio Grande, for example, are likely more hawkish on immigration than, say, a Dominican American in Washington Heights in NYC.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
  • People with African ancestry tend to have high porosity hair.12 Also, people with gray hair or light-colored hair and people of older age are more likely to have highly porous hair.12 Characteristics of High Porosity Hair High porosity hair can have various characteristics.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • There’s also a separate accessory cradle to hold the combination and crevice tools, pet tool, flexible tool, and dust bags.
    Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The president was undeterred, and the flights resumed the very next day, filled with cardboard file boxes that had been repurposed into makeshift cradles.
    Jim Axelrod June 9, CBS News, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Bulls will point to yesterday’s event as just the beginning of an exciting path of growth.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 23 June 2025
  • He’s been trying really from the beginning to bring the 10 Black mob families together.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • The Pitfall Of Poor Data Lineage Without robust data lineage and understanding how data is created, modified and moved, security teams are hampered during breaches.
    Somnath Banerjee, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Khomeini, who is more of a reformist and is allied with a faction that is in favor of easing social and political restrictions in Iran, garners respect because of his lineage, according to Reuters.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Two decades later, it’s become the genesis of Payton’s offseason philosophy, from New Orleans to Denver.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 June 2025
  • Seventeen years after Plowshare’s genesis, Rio Blanco marked the very last underground detonation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • An entertainer's dream and rare waterfront offering—experience luxury lake living with a championship pedigree.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
  • Led by Messi, a classy pedigree Miami has lived up to that billing — luring star players such as former Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuaín and eventually landing the biggest of them all two years ago when signing Messi.
    James Robson, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origin. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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