[go: up one dir, main page]

originate

verb

ə-ˈri-jə-ˌnāt How to pronounce originate (audio)
Definition of originatenext
as in to begin
to come into existence the theory of relativity originated with Albert Einstein

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb originate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of originate are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of originate?

Arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent.

new questions have arisen
slowly rose to prominence

When can derive be used instead of originate?

While in some cases nearly identical to originate, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

When is emanate a more appropriate choice than originate?

In some situations, the words emanate and originate are roughly equivalent. However, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How are the words flow and spring related as synonyms of originate?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When might issue be a better fit than originate?

The meanings of issue and originate largely overlap; however, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When is it sensible to use proceed instead of originate?

The words proceed and originate can be used in similar contexts, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When would spring be a good substitute for originate?

While the synonyms spring and originate are close in meaning, spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

When could stem be used to replace originate?

Although the words stem and originate have much in common, stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

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 originate Kennington attended The University of Georgia and originates from Atlanta, GA. —Kennington Smith Iii, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Many cars are built with parts that originate in multiple different countries before the vehicle is assembled. —Brett Samuels, The Hill, 26 Mar. 2025 Stand Downs originated during the Vietnam War as safe retreats where combat units could rest, recover, and enjoy camaraderie in a secure environment. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025 The child of Nigerian immigrants living in Britain, Jim says the project is an effort to carve out a musical identity for other first-generation Black Brits whose parents originate from Africa or the Caribbean. —Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for originate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originate
  1. begin
  2. arise
  3. start
  4. appear
  5. commence
  6. be
Verb
  • Desir had won 24 consecutive matches to begin the season.
    — Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The true story begins with Hornigold receiving an email from a woman named Dionne, who is claiming to be his mother.
    — Charley Ross, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of begin
Verb
  • Fluoridation was initially smeared as a communist plot against America, Hayes said, and then later fears arose of possible links to cancer, which were refuted through extensive scientific research.
    — Brett Kelman, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
  • And that reluctance and confusion arises, in part, because of just how random the death penalty can be.
    — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of arise
Verb
  • Spencer Torkelson, who was rumored to start the season at Triple-A, homered in the top of the seventh to draw Detroit within one run.
    — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Nightly rates at Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa start from $907 for a garden junior suite.
    — Meredith Lepore, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of start
Verb
  • Khalil is due to appear before an immigration judge for a removal proceeding on April 8.
    — Armando Garcia, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Both feature an Annunciation, in which an angel appears and announces that Mary, a virgin who is engaged to Joseph, is to have a son by God.
    — Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of appear
Verb
  • The strikes commenced approximately two hours after Goldberg received the information.
    — Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Under-the-radar talks about them joining Loewe commenced last October, the same sources said.
    — Miles Socha, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of commence
Verb
  • Season 1 didn’t have a ton of mixing, but there was such a great conflict established between Armond and Shane.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • There was also a plan for a new ground at Walton Hall Park, a short distance north of Goodison, with designs drawn up by architects Idom.
    — Tom Burrows, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of be

Browse Nearby Words

originals
originate
originated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Originate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originate. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on originate

Nglish: Translation of originate for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

'When Pigs Fly' and Other Barnyard Idioms

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things
See More

Popular

See More

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

'When Pigs Fly' and Other Barnyard Idioms
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
kestrel
Name That Bird Quiz Are you as wise as an owl or just another birdbrain?
See All