origin

noun

ˈȯr-ə-jən How to pronounce origin (audio)
Definition of originnext
1
as in source
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 root
the source from which something grows or develops the origin of the tradition of giving presents at Christmastime

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in ancestry
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended they could trace their origins back 15 generations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Here’s a look at the origins of the Smurfs and where the movie Smurfs fits in the history of the Smurfs. —Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 18 July 2025 The film’s origin story is itself a postmodern yarn. —Arkansas Online, 17 July 2025 Here is what to know about the origins of the Epstein case: What was Epstein convicted of? —Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 17 July 2025 As is the case for many classic cocktails, the origin of the mojito is uncertain and disputed. —Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for origin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origin
  1. source
  2. root
  3. ancestry
  4. cradle
  5. beginning
  6. lineage
  7. genesis
  8. pedigree
Noun
  • In Hawaii's case, the volcanoes are the result of a heat source deep within the Earth's mantle.
    — Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 14 July 2025
  • Communities are encouraged to work together, removing food sources and actively hazing coyotes, to prevent them from becoming too comfortable around people.
    — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of source
Noun
  • 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
  • Without addressing root causes of violence, long-term solutions and improvements can never be realized.
    — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of root
Noun
  • The researchers note, however, that more individual genome sequences would be needed to fully understand variation in ancestry during this period of Egyptian history.
    — Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 18 July 2025
  • Florida, 2010-2015 Betty Brock was a mother of seven who enjoyed singing and art, long bicycle rides, organizing family photos and researching her ancestry.
    — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 16 July 2025
Definition of ancestry
Noun
  • The installation consists of a cradle to hold a cell phone in a specific position, and signage with a QR code for uploading the photographs to the database.
    — Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • This padding creates a supportive cradle, allowing your cat to sleep comfortably and securely.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Definition of cradle
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • Additionally, the pope has two freedom fighters in his family tree, and has multiracial lineage.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Not equal to artists working in a lineage descended from the Greeks and Romans.
    — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of lineage
Noun
  • Its genesis reaches back into our history and is directly related to the health and wellbeing of our nation’s inhabitants, and, more broadly, global health.
    — Jennifer Boulanger, New York Daily News, 28 June 2025
  • Or that Atlanta was about a half decade into innovating this thing of ours in ways that no city had since its South Bronx genesis.
    — Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
Definition of genesis
Noun
  • But several players on Denver’s roster don’t come with that kind of pedigree and enter training camp fighting for their football lives.
    — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 21 July 2025
  • Li may not boast the major-winning pedigree of his American counterpart, but the world No. 111 has history at The Open.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 18 July 2025
Definition of pedigree

Browse Nearby Words

orifices
origin
original
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origin. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on origin

Nglish: Translation of origin for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All