originate

verb

ə-ˈri-jə-ˌnāt How to pronounce originate (audio)
Definition of originatenext
as in to begin
to come into existence the theory of relativity originated with Albert Einstein

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Ebert changed the name of his business to Crash Champions, which originates from the idea that the bodyshop is a hero in a customer’s time of need after an accident. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 13 July 2025 These ejections are bundles of magnetic fields and particles that originate from the Sun. —Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, The Conversation, 11 July 2025 So far this year, 30 homicides originated as arguments, according to police data. —Pj Green july 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025 Some focus on traditional schools of Buddhist teachings, such as Zen (which originated in China and is influenced by Taoist teachings) and Theravadan (which is the oldest school of Buddhism and is practiced widely in Southeast Asia). —AFAR Media, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for originate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originate
  1. begin
  2. arise
  3. start
  4. appear
  5. commence
  6. be
Verb
  • Castle & Key began restoring the property in 2014 and opened up in September 2018.
    — Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 26 July 2025
  • City officials began gathering public feedback on the golf carts ordinance in January and February during a listening tour.
    — Jake Allen, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
Definition of begin
Verb
  • Often problems arise from short-term pollution, which can happen during heavy rainfall that washes waste from sewage plants into the water.
    — Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
  • When tech issues arise, fingers, by default, point at the IT team.
    — Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of arise
Verb
  • He’s set to start the All-Star Game in right field on Tuesday night.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2025
  • The two got married, had a baby, and started a quiet life together far away from his violent past.
    — Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of start
Verb
  • As entrepreneurship becomes more global and technical barriers to entry continue to rise, the demand for operational support appears to be universal.
    — Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Become a Subscriber Still, Trump’s announcement appears to mark a major shift in strategy on Ukraine, or at least in his intent.
    — Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
Definition of appear
Verb
  • No work, no people, no complaints When major work will commence again remains unclear, even to neighbors.
    — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2025
  • But candid photos captured the same day of Holmes and Jackson together shooting a mystery project on the streets of New York suggest that production may have already commenced.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of commence
Verb
  • There is a stone wall near the new beach that helps stabilize it, as well as dry prairie grasses meant to deter birds, which contributed to the bacteria levels in the water.
    — Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 23 July 2025
  • Sanders said that his office reviews all felony charges filed by police and those cases are presented to a grand jury if prosecutors believe there is probable cause that a felony was committed.
    — Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
Definition of be

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Cite this Entry

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

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