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 The Civil War star took over the role originated by former President Ronald Reagan in 1953 from last year's announcer, David Alan Grier. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Mar. 2025 Amarone Casks Amarone is an Italian dry red wine, and this single malt was finished in casks originating in Verona. —David Thomas Tao, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 The original version of the hummingbird cake is believed to have originated in Jamaica in the 1960s. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2025 The video in the post appears to have originated on a TikTok account with the handle @incognitogamingtv. —Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 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
  • Before the ceremony began, Chalamet was spotted holding hands and kissing girlfriend Kylie Jenner inside the Dolby Theatre.
    — Lexi Carson, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Mar. 2025
  • European leaders began work on Sunday on their own framework for peace.
    — Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of begin
Verb
  • But the problem on the tour most likely wouldn’t have arisen in Illinois, whose legislators noticed a problem and addressed it.
    — Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Keeping her connected to what was happening kept her up to speed and prepared whenever challenges inevitably arose.
    — Dustin Lemick, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of arise
Verb
  • Love, playing in just his 21st game this season with the Heat, started and scored 10 points with six rebounds.
    — Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The 13-inch M4 MacBook Air will start at $999, a $100 price cut compared to the M3 Air and the same price that Apple set for the M2 Air last year when the M3 models came out.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of start
Verb
  • The downside, warn many of the officials who appear in Disclosure, is that keeping this information secret and compartmentalized within the government and the military industrial complex could result in an intelligence failure exponentially worse than what happened with 9/11.
    — Johnny Dodd, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
  • That appeared to have been the start of a wider onslaught by Assad loyalists, who launched coordinated attacks on government positions in the country’s northwest, killing and imprisoning members of the security forces.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of appear
Verb
  • Loading your audio article LOS ALTOS HILLS — As the final seconds ticked off the clock in No. 2 Pinewood’s Central Coast Section Open Division semifinal win over No. 3 Priory, the chants commenced.
    — Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The company posted an extensive FAQ on its website with details about the going-out-of-business sales, which are set to commence immediately.
    — Rob Wile, NBC News, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of commence
Verb
  • There is hope among Glossip’s advocates that Drummond and Behenna will avoid a new prosecution.
    — Dakin Andone, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
  • There is no other central midfielder on Rodri’s level at this moment in time.
    — Graham Ruthven, Forbes, 28 Feb. 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 14 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of originate for Spanish Speakers

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