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 Roughly 20% of Macy's merchandise originates in China, Spring told CNBC. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 28 May 2025 Similar concentrations of material originating on land and transported to open waters may be helpful in finding further tsunamis, the researchers conclude. —David Bressan, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 Luke Thallon will play the nervous Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, who was previously portrayed by Ian Hart, and Paul Whitehouse will play Filch, who was originated by David Bradley in the films. —Julia Moore, People.com, 27 May 2025 Obsidian originated from a geological formation known as the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, spanning 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) from the west to east coasts in central Mexico, the study authors noted. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 May 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
  • In Afghanistan, a war that began after 9/11, 2,465 American lives were lost, and half that many allied troops in the campaign to oust Al Qaeda.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
  • The 3-1 deficit proved too much for the Dodgers to surmount — ending a day that had begun with so much optimism around Ohtani’s two-way talents with a dud of a performance and frustrating series loss in Queens.
    — Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
Definition of begin
Verb
  • However, with a strategic approach and dedication, opportunities will arise.
    — Jay Garcia, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Over time, writing arose in multiple locations in Asia and Africa.
    — Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025
Definition of arise
Verb
  • Known to his fans as King Vamp, the Opium label founder started as a SoundCloud rapper in Atlanta and successfully wave-hopped his way from Awful Records to A$AP Mob to Kanye West on the path to superstardom.
    — Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 28 May 2025
  • Born with Sickle Cell Disease, Woolford started a non-profit, Sickle Cell Reproductive Education Directive, that advocates for patients like herself.
    — Katia Riddle, NPR, 28 May 2025
Definition of start
Verb
  • What To Know Fieri appeared on Friday's episode of The Joe Rogan Experience and shared his thoughts on the interview via X, formerly Twitter.
    — Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • The convex & concave mirrors forming the book jacket exaggerate expressions, making others appear stretched, squished, & altered, mirroring the elasticity of the poems themselves.
    — Terrance Hayes, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Definition of appear
Verb
  • The finding suggested that commencing metformin after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was associated with a better chance of living longer, compared to commencing sulfonylurea.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 May 2025
  • Soon Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco arrived at his one-day event, and the cone drills and photos commenced.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2025
Definition of commence
Verb
  • There are also tons of deals on travel clothes, from matching sets to wear on the plane to comfy maxi dresses to go from day to night.
    — Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
  • However, records show that there was an investigation into reports of staff drinking with students.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of be

Browse Nearby Words

originals
originate
originated
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Cite this Entry

“Originate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originate. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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