Synonyms of inception

inception

noun

in-ˈsep-shən 

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

• beginning
• commencement
• start
• onset
• launch
• alpha
• genesis
• outset
• dawn
• infancy
• threshold
• birth
• founding
• origination
• baseline
• initiation
• kickoff
• nascence
• inauguration
• incipience
• nascency
• incipiency
• origin
• morning
• day one
• get-go
• git-go
• creation
• arrival
• emergence
• first base
• advent
• dawning
• ground zero
• institution
• opening
• spring
• drawing board
• debut
• cradle
• germ
• source
• childhood
• well
• square one
• appearance
• début
• fountain
• wellspring
• root
• fountainhead
• youth
• seedbed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• end
• conclusion
• ending
• close
• period
• completion
• termination
• closing
• closure
• cessation
• finish
• stop
• omega
• finale
• windup

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 of inception in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since its inception almost a decade ago, the organization has transformed countless lives and raised over $1 million dollars that go directly back into the community. —Eva Reign, Them, 24 Oct. 2024

Labor battles have marked the WNBA’s ups and downs since its inception in 1996, with players periodically threatening to spend their time in other leagues and owners countering with the possibility of canceling seasons or even folding teams. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2024

From its inception in 2018, Artists 360 has awarded $1.3 million to seven cohorts of 157 artists in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. —Deb Harvell, arkansasonline.com, 20 Oct. 2024

Chief Keef, a pioneer in the inception and rise of drill music, is getting his own documentary, Variety can exclusively report. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 15 Oct. 2024