INCEPTION Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

inception

noun

in-ˈsep-shən

Definition of inception next

as in beginning

the point at which something begins this seemed like a good program at its inception, but it isn't working out as planned

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 inception Established in 1967, the 16-week SAC Fire Academy is one of the oldest and largest in the state, graduating 186 academies since its inception. —

Advertorial, Orange County Register, 18 Jan. 2025 According to the Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment, the county’s rehousing program has aided 40 households in paying rent since its inception in June of 2023 and is currently assisting 24 households. —

Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 Last year, the state holiday’s inception fell on a Saturday, and students weren’t given an additional day off. —

Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 15 Jan. 2025 Arguably Formula 1’s most iconic race, the Principality has host a race each year since the world championship’s inception in 1950, save for 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. —

Dan Cancian, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for inception

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inception

Noun

Popular on Variety At the beginning, these demonstrations are at the margins of the film — more like background noise than an integral part of the plot.

— Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 18 Jan. 2025
There are mini challenges, smaller assignments, at the beginning of the episode, while maxi challenges test contestants on several different skills.

— Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 17 Jan. 2025