Thesaurus results for GERM

germ

noun

ˈjərm

as in origin

the source from which something grows or develops this hastily scribbled equation on a cocktail napkin became the germ of a new scientific theory

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 germ The germs are more likely to spread in indoor areas or places with poor air circulation (such as a closed vehicle). —

Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025 Dairy products that have been heated to kill germs, called pasteurization, are not a risk for bird flu. —

Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2025 The Northwest Naturals frozen turkey that Villain ate had been treated with high-pressure processing, a method the company says kills harmful germs while leaving beneficial microbes intact. —

Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2025 White rice undergoes a refining process that removes the bran and germ. —

Jillian Kubala, Health, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for germ

Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ

Noun

The War and Treaty’s Michael Trotter Jr. knows just how intertwined his musical origin story is with his time in the U.S. Army.

— Rachel DeSantis, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
The team of researchers said the new interpretation of humanity’s origin increases the probability of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe.

— Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025