Thesaurus results for GERM

germ

noun

ˈjərm

Definition of germ

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

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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 This protects you from bacteria in the tank and the tank from any bacteria or germs on your hands. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026 In those situations, additional washing is unnecessary and may even introduce new germs into your food. — Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 6 Aug. 2026 The germ is usually passed from person to person, and can live on the skin, clothing and surfaces for weeks to months. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026 But while washing can remove dirt and lower the amount of some germs, cyclospora can attach tightly to uneven surfaces and may remain after routine washing. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for germ

Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ

Noun

However, the notion of the emperor’s divine origins strengthened during the Meiji era, when the concept of State Shinto arose.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Experts suspect the hackers are from China, but neither Taiwan, nor Dream would confirm the origin of the July attacks.

— John Liu, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of origin

Noun

That fire makes for a potent combination with her swimming roots.

— Peter Baugh, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
The materials used can vary widely, including roots, herbs, crystals, stones, coins, cloth, ceramic sherds, pins, powders, and the body parts of animals.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of root

Noun

The message was about taking care of one another — a seed Dyer has worked hard to plant and grow since leaving his electrical engineering career more than a decade ago to become a Presbyterian minister.

— Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Once the veteran players and most of the top seeds vanished from the Canadian Open, succumbing to injury and upset, the stakes of the tournament in Montreal took on a new edge.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of seed

Noun

Unlike 12 years ago, predation isn’t centred on a minority; 11 different Premier League clubs have lost players to the ‘Big Six’ since the beginning of last summer.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
At the beginning of the year, some volunteers within Coppell ISD went door-to-door to recruit and keep students in public education.

— Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of beginning

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geriatrics

germ

germane

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“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of germ

noun

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