as in origins
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
Relevance
Examples 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 germs
Hot water is generally recommended for killing germs and bacteria, but warm temperatures can be too harsh for some high-quality materials.
—
Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024
The vacuum also has a five-stage filtration system that thoroughly traps messes and prevents germs and allergens from spewing back into the air.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Pasteurization kills all these harmful germs, including H5N1, a recent government study shows.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024
Antibodies mark and bind to foreign substances (such as germs) for destruction, whereas cytokines serve as messengers, informing and signaling the immune system to launch an attack against germs.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024
Well-Kept, another Southern brand, created their wipes to clean and remove germs on computers, tablets, and phones.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024
Milk sold in stores is pasteurized, a heating process that kills germs and other dangerous pathogens.
—Taylor Grothe, Parents, 14 Dec. 2024
The germs are more likely to cause health complications in children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant people and the immunocompromised.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024
Raw milk and some types of raw cheese can be a source of many kinds of germs, and lab tests show that bird flu virus in raw milk can be infectious.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024
Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024
The vacuum also has a five-stage filtration system that thoroughly traps messes and prevents germs and allergens from spewing back into the air.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Pasteurization kills all these harmful germs, including H5N1, a recent government study shows.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024
Antibodies mark and bind to foreign substances (such as germs) for destruction, whereas cytokines serve as messengers, informing and signaling the immune system to launch an attack against germs.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024
Well-Kept, another Southern brand, created their wipes to clean and remove germs on computers, tablets, and phones.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024
Milk sold in stores is pasteurized, a heating process that kills germs and other dangerous pathogens.
—Taylor Grothe, Parents, 14 Dec. 2024
The germs are more likely to cause health complications in children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant people and the immunocompromised.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024
Raw milk and some types of raw cheese can be a source of many kinds of germs, and lab tests show that bird flu virus in raw milk can be infectious.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near germs
Cite this Entry
“Germs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germs. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share