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 Experts think this phrase may be a reference to a powerful female deity, but the origins of her name remain a mystery. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2025 The reconstructions offer both educational value and a window into the evolutionary journey that shaped modern humans' origins and survival strategies. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 Bagdad The origin of Bagdad's name is not as clear as many other mining towns. —Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025 Meanwhile, Claire and Owen are raising Maisie, keeping her as under-the-radar as possible, lest she be found and experimented on by scientists enthralled by her unique origin. —Will Harris, EW.com, 27 June 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
  • My sources tell me that the FBI wanted to release more information about Jeffrey Epstein, and Pam Blondi and her DOJ said NO.
    — Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • One anonymous source donated 40 units, but since then, White said, there have been few, if any, such offerings.
    — Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Definition of source
Noun
  • The roots of stargazing date back centuries to ancient civilizations like the Babylonians and Egyptians who practiced stargazing for navigation, agriculture and religious purposes.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Inside, the design stays true to its minimalist roots.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 July 2025
Definition of root
Noun
  • The results give key findings from over 265 health tests, identify over 365 dog breeds, and provide insights into genetics and ancestry.
    — Molly Higgins, Wired News, 8 July 2025
  • In 2017, social media users dragged Blake Lively for claiming to have indigenous ancestry in a L'Oreal Paris makeup commercial.
    — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 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
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • To be Korean in GO is a matter neither of lineage nor of citizenship, Roh argues.
    — H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 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
  • The venture firm Sequoia Capital ranks Palantir experience as the top pedigree for startup founders, for instance.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
  • Despite his activity and pedigree as a member of Kill Cliff FC, the UFC moved on from Loosa.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of pedigree

Browse Nearby Words

orifices
origin
original
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Cite this Entry

“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origin. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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