as in origin
the source from which something grows or develops
this hastily scribbled equation on a cocktail napkin became the germ of a new scientific theory
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of germ
Suitcases come in contact with many dirty surfaces and are handled by multiple people during travel, making handles, in particular, a breeding ground for germs, bacteria, and viruses.
—
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025
Check out this one that kills germs and is great for use in hospitals, and this one formulated with living cyanobacteria to produce oxygen and capture carbon dioxide.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 23 June 2025
Always assume items have unseen germs or pests and clean them accordingly before bringing them into your home.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Scrub your way across the surface to dislodge any final particles and help remove germs and bacteria, then rinse the grill grates well with fresh water.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025
Check out this one that kills germs and is great for use in hospitals, and this one formulated with living cyanobacteria to produce oxygen and capture carbon dioxide.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 23 June 2025
Always assume items have unseen germs or pests and clean them accordingly before bringing them into your home.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Scrub your way across the surface to dislodge any final particles and help remove germs and bacteria, then rinse the grill grates well with fresh water.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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Ward recalled the origin story of when the DCC head, Kelli Finglass, realized that an updo would be best for her during games.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
21 July 2025
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The origin story behind the ice cream sundae comes swirled with mystery, history, as well as chocolate and even a cherry on top.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
21 July 2025
Noun
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Fact: Healthy lawns should be watered deeply, but less often, to encourage root growth and drought tolerance.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
20 July 2025
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Without addressing root causes of violence, long-term solutions and improvements can never be realized.—
Omer Awan,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
Noun
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The seeds of Gee’s religious turn grew from the rootlessness of her early life, a pattern reflected in the essays’ temporal itinerancy.—
Terry Nguyen
July 23,
Literary Hub,
23 July 2025
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Plus, the seeds’ ability to germinate isn’t always guaranteed.—
Michelle Mastro,
Architectural Digest,
23 July 2025
Noun
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Recent flooding in Texas at the beginning of the month killed at least 130 people, New York and New Jersey has also just been hit by flash flooding, and the fourth tropical storm of the season is expected to hit the coast of Florida this week.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
15 July 2025
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They are required at the beginning of 8th grade, and staff must collaborate with students and their families to create and review the plans annually.—
Jean Eddy,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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