1
as in sources
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 roots
the source from which something grows or develops
the origin of the tradition of giving presents at Christmastime
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in lineages
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended
they could trace their origins back 15 generations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 origins
Using the government to prop up bitcoin is an interesting maneuver for a technology whose origins lie in decentralization.
—
Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024
Though the white paper that introduced bitcoin’s origins and philosophy—something of an urtext for crypto overall—does not discuss politics per se, cryptocurrency was quickly adopted and championed by cyberlibertarians.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024
The goose game has its origins in a 16th-century board game once played at the court of the Medici and famously gifted to Spain’s King Philip II.
—John Last, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Dec. 2024
The origins of migrants have diversified greatly since 2021, with growing numbers of arrivals from Africa and Asia.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Still, the charmingly chaotic ceremony rang true to the spirit of Slamdance’s origins.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2024
The coaching industry has come a long way since its origins with legends like Tony Robbins and Zig Ziglar, who inspired countless individuals to transform their lives through personal development.
—Tom Noh, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
This multifaceted superfood oil helms from Chile, and is packaged in a beautiful recyclable tin with artwork that reflects its origins.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Ongoing investigations aim to provide deeper understanding of its origins and assembly.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 9 Dec. 2024
Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024
Though the white paper that introduced bitcoin’s origins and philosophy—something of an urtext for crypto overall—does not discuss politics per se, cryptocurrency was quickly adopted and championed by cyberlibertarians.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024
The goose game has its origins in a 16th-century board game once played at the court of the Medici and famously gifted to Spain’s King Philip II.
—John Last, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Dec. 2024
The origins of migrants have diversified greatly since 2021, with growing numbers of arrivals from Africa and Asia.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Still, the charmingly chaotic ceremony rang true to the spirit of Slamdance’s origins.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2024
The coaching industry has come a long way since its origins with legends like Tony Robbins and Zig Ziglar, who inspired countless individuals to transform their lives through personal development.
—Tom Noh, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
This multifaceted superfood oil helms from Chile, and is packaged in a beautiful recyclable tin with artwork that reflects its origins.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Ongoing investigations aim to provide deeper understanding of its origins and assembly.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 9 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near origins
Cite this Entry
“Origins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origins. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share