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

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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 The germ of this idea was already latent in the first shot of Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), which shows a lo-fi close-up of Cage doing a terrible Australian accent in a TV commercial for VCRs. — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 Turn up the heat only when grease, germs or heavy soil give you a specific reason. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026 If hot water will cause damage, use a laundry sanitizer in a cold or warm water cycle to eliminate germs and bacteria. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026 Regular washing removes allergens, germs, and buildup from skin, dust, and pet hair. — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for germ

Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ

Noun

Theoretical arguments suggest that a substantial part, if not all, of the randomness in the world is of quantum origin.

— Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
For anyone who grinds fresh every morning and chases single-origin lots, online talk about mold and mycotoxins in coffee tends to raise a practical question about how the stuff gets onto beans in the first place.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of origin

Noun

Reid on Wednesday remembered a player who embraced his rural roots — Bailey grew up in Hog Hammock on Sapelo Island off the Georgia coast — and offered, ahem, a culinary tip.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
The goddesses in these paintings have a serene air, with roots firmly anchored in the earth, but also a crown of leaves that sway with the wind.

— Tatiane de Assis, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of root

Noun

Expect some traffic back-ups at the beginning and end of the game as parking lots empty and drivers hit the road in what is a construction zone on highways running through downtown.

— Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Advertisement At the beginning of May, separatists turned in a petition with hundreds of thousands of signatures to push for a vote on leaving Canada, while opponents collected signatures in support of staying.

— Chantelle Lee, Time, 20 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of germ

noun

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