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 Almost all injectable treatments are manufactured overseas; for example, the dermal fillers Restylane and Sculptra are made in Sweden and neuromodulator Xeomin originates in Germany. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Apr. 2025 Pepper tracks originated from Lennon, and McCartney had to coax them out. —Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 The new measures repeal key exemptions previously in place and impose across-the-board import duties on goods from countries including those in the European Union, where many popular baby formula brands originate. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 The Friday earthquake originated near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city of about 1.5 million, from rubbing tectonic plates along the Sagaing fault, which runs through the center of the country. —Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 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
  • What begins as a simple quest soon transforms into a life-changing adventure, forcing Alex to reevaluate her priorities.
    — Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Following news of his death, multiple tributes began to pour in for him on his last Instagram post.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of begin
Verb
  • But some conservationists are expressing wide ranging concern about the unintended consequences that could arise as researchers continue to try and resurrect versions of extinct animals.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Your passion must propel you forward when obstacles arise.
    — Jay Ruderman, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of arise
Verb
  • School officials are required to report whether an active student with a visa has enrolled within a month of classes starting.
    — Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The pause came hours after the European Union voted to approve retaliatory tariffs on $23 billion in goods, starting April 15, in response to Trump’s previously announced 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum—which remain in effect.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of start
Verb
  • These concerns appeared to strike a chord—at least in part—with U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken, who brought up the issue several times during this week’s fairness hearing over whether to grant the settlement’s final approval.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • After the risk assessment, the brothers will appear at independent parole board hearings on June 13, Newsom said.
    — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of appear
Verb
  • Before Emmerich’s exit, the option to the game were re-upped and talks with Jason Momoa commenced.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The filing indicates that the company has not commenced any operations and has not generated any revenues.
    — Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of commence
Verb
  • But there are plenty of points available, with Forest now on 57 and another 24 to play for.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The Aaron Rodgers news cycle has died down a bit, but there are still tidbits about him that come out here and there.
    — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 2025.

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