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Definition of inceptionnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word inception distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of inception are origin, root, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When could origin be used to replace inception?

The words origin and inception are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When is root a more appropriate choice than inception?

The synonyms root and inception are sometimes interchangeable, but root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When can source be used instead of inception?

While the synonyms source and inception are close in meaning, 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 inception The average per day is better than $387,000, and the month was the third best since inception in March 2024, according to the State Lottery Commission. Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026 Since its inception in 1981, Wednesday's Child has been a collaboration of the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), the Department of Children & Families and WBZ-TV/CBS Boston. CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026 Since the policy’s inception, data has informed the program’s effectiveness. Connye Griffin, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026 Atlantis Blue Project Foundation (ABPF), the resort's nonprofit and conservation organization, has taken on a number of initiatives since its inception 15 years ago. Kristin Braswell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inception
Noun
  • Indiana went on a 14-1 run in the third to take the lead from Nebraska (14-2, 3-2) for the first time since the beginning of the game, leading briefly at 51-49.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
  • As for the Lady Kate, Furrer said the 110-foot boat stopped cruising at the beginning of the pandemic.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The inspirational book was adapted from the former Navy SEAL’s viral 2014 commencement speech for the University of Texas.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
  • Oakland University, in Rochester, Michigan, says fall commencement services will take place as planned, despite recent campus building closings related to problems with its high-temperature hot water pipe system.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Ezeiruaku, 22, was a second-round draft pick out of Boston College in 2025 and appeared in all 17 games as a rookie, including nine starts.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Dallas' Jaden Hardy, making his second start of the season, scored 11 of his 14 points in the first five minutes, including three of his four 3-pointers.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • To save humankind, a geophysicist living with early-onset Alzheimer’s is recruited to investigate the vast void swallowing the oceans.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The onset of elevated inflation alongside sluggish hiring has put the Fed in a difficult position.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Monday's launch was SpaceX's fifth for the year out of 615 over the history of the company.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Since launch, mission teams have guided the observatory steadily toward L1.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Flaxseeds Are Very Rich in Omega-3s Flaxseeds are one of the best plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3.
    Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Through a precise alpha-cleavage pathway, the catalyst guides glucose so that eighty percent of the molecules are successfully converted into high-value formate.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inception. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on inception

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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