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 Even chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and names like Royal Doulton, Aynsley and Wedgwood highlight the international origins of the products. — Eric D. Lawrence, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025 The feature is more than one billion years older than the previous first-place contender, and could hold important implications for understanding the origin of life on our planet. — Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025 The exact blend can vary widely based on the geographic origin of the recipe and personal preference, but most curry powders include turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, and black pepper. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2025 Although questions still surround the origin of proto-henges, the researchers believe Flagstones was a prototype for later monuments like Stonehenge based on the new chronology. — Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 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
  • Rodents Mice and rats are highly allergenic and are common sources of asthma triggers through their saliva, urine, feces, and skin.
    — Nancy LeBrun, Verywell Health, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The source added that the duo were accompanied by director Doug Liman, but the specifics of the project are still under wraps.
    — Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of source
Noun
  • What’s more, a blend of botanical ingredients including licorice root and coffee leaf extract firms and brightens the skin around the eyes.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
  • This market can trace its roots to 1921 and has been in its current 49-acre location since 1956.
    — Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of root
Noun
  • These individuals appear to have merged with larger populations that were unrelated to the Xiongnu, many of them with European ancestry, forming a group with genetically diverse backgrounds, according to the study.
    — Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Certain genetic variants, or mutations, are often linked to ancestry, and some have been connected to poor health outcomes.
    — Leah Small, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of ancestry
Noun
  • At the bottom of the rear panel are two pogo pin connectors, which can charge the device's 5,000mAh battery in a cradle.
    — Iyaz Akhtar, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025
  • From cradle to old age, this man and the Republican agenda is devastating for women.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of cradle
Noun
  • San Sebastián, however, has taken a different and more inclusive approach from the very beginning.
    — Jamie Lang, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
  • That study ran from the end of 2012 to the beginning of 2019.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • Scientifically known as Otodus megalodon, the Neogene-era shark is estimated to have reached lengths of 50 to 65 feet (15 to 20 meters) and once belonged to a lineage of sharks that evolved during the Cenozoic era, becoming increasingly specialized for preying on and scavenging marine mammals.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Hartley, the son of a late Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, has a long lineage of family members who served in uniform, a fact Trump highlighted during his speech before letting Hartley know of the news of his acceptance.
    — Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of lineage
Noun
  • The free exhibition is on view Tuesday through Saturday, until May 25; a conversation with the exhibition’s co-curators about its genesis, research and development takes place Tuesday on site and online.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The conceptual genesis for the album occurred on 2.22.22, when Stack arrived at the Base with Danielle Haim.
    — William Earl, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025
Definition of genesis
Noun
  • Russell Wilson is the other quarterback on the market with Super Bowl pedigree, and reports indicate he is expected to visit with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, followed by the Giants on Friday.
    — Scott Thompson, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Despite its great pedigree, The Franchise did not attract large enough audience, leading to the cancellation.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of pedigree

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origin. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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