Synonym Chooser

How does the verb originate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of originate are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of originate?

Arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent.

new questions have arisen
slowly rose to prominence

When can derive be used instead of originate?

While in some cases nearly identical to originate, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

When is emanate a more appropriate choice than originate?

In some situations, the words emanate and originate are roughly equivalent. However, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How are the words flow and spring related as synonyms of originate?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When might issue be a better fit than originate?

The meanings of issue and originate largely overlap; however, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When is it sensible to use proceed instead of originate?

The words proceed and originate can be used in similar contexts, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When would spring be a good substitute for originate?

While the synonyms spring and originate are close in meaning, spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

When could stem be used to replace originate?

Although the words stem and originate have much in common, stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

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 originate Fire Country was recently renewed for a fourth season; Sheriff Country, which originated as a Fire Country planted spinoff, is set to launch in 2025-26. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2025 In fact, the family to which pineapple belongs is actually known as the Bromeliaceae, which originated in Central America. Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2025 The Tren de Aragua gang originated in a prison in the South American country and accompanied an exodus of millions of Venezuelans, the overwhelming majority of whom were seeking better living conditions after their nation's economy came undone last decade. arkansasonline.com, 16 Mar. 2025 Looking farther into the future, the low-rate mortgages originated in the early 2020s will last for decades, causing low mobility. Bill Conerly, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for originate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originate
Verb
  • Desir had won 24 consecutive matches to begin the season.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Angels in the Asylum was able to begin production with funding from other investors, while Sorrenti and Greenwood also put cash into the project.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Fluoridation was initially smeared as a communist plot against America, Hayes said, and then later fears arose of possible links to cancer, which were refuted through extensive scientific research.
    Brett Kelman, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
  • And that reluctance and confusion arises, in part, because of just how random the death penalty can be.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Spencer Torkelson, who was rumored to start the season at Triple-A, homered in the top of the seventh to draw Detroit within one run.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Nobody talks, nobody starts telling these kids at 12 and 13, respect.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Since then a federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against the dismantling of the agency, but the memo appears to indicate that the administration has plans to continue its mission of drastically cutting USAID and fully folding it into the State Department.
    Vittoria Elliott, WIRED, 20 Mar. 2025
  • In her reasoning for opposing the spending measure, known as a continuing resolution, Delaney appeared to conflate it with a separate budget process known as reconciliation, in which House Republicans have proposed steep cuts to Medicaid.
    Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The strikes commenced approximately two hours after Goldberg received the information.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Under-the-radar talks about them joining Loewe commenced last October, the same sources said.
    Miles Socha, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Season 1 didn’t have a ton of mixing, but there was such a great conflict established between Armond and Shane.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • There are several factors to consider when sowing seeds for a higher success rate and producing hardy plants.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Originate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originate. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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