ORIGIN Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'origin' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of origin are inception , root , and source . While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," 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: In what contexts can 'inception' take the place of 'origin'?

Although the words inception and origin have much in common, inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes. // the business has been a success since its inception

Q: When might 'root' be a better fit than 'origin'?

While in some cases nearly identical to origin , root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned. // the real root of the violence

Q: When is 'source' a more appropriate choice than 'origin'?

The meanings of source and origin largely overlap; however, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being. // the source of the Nile // the source of recurrent trouble

origin

noun

ˈȯr-ə-jən

Definition of origin next

as in source

a point or place at which something is invented or provided the origins of human language remain a matter of considerable debate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in root

the source from which something grows or develops the origin of the tradition of giving presents at Christmastime

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in ancestry

the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended they could trace their origins back 15 generations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word origin distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of origin are inception, root, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," 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

In what contexts can inception take the place of origin?

Although the words inception and origin have much in common, inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When might root be a better fit than origin?

While in some cases nearly identical to origin, root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When is source a more appropriate choice than origin?

The meanings of source and origin largely overlap; however, 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 origin Pilgrimage symbols The symbols that Luce carries serve as a reminder of the origins of Christian pilgrimage, which began with visits to the Holy Land, the place where Christ lived his life. —

Virginia Raguin, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2025 Michelangelo Origin: Michelangelo is of Italian origin. —

Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025 Advertisement While Sierra was being held in LAPD custody, officials determined the origin point of the Kenneth fire was in Ventura County, so the investigation has been turned over to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. —

Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025 The committee’s members are mostly anonymous and the group’s origins are unknown. —

Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for origin

Recent Examples of Synonyms for origin

Noun

Having a viable source of synthetic graphite produced from other forms of carbon is important for manufacturers of electric batteries, Abuelsamid said.

— Jackie Charniga, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
The city relies extensively on the approval of state loans and other sources of funding that are under the governor’s purview.

— Alexandra Berzon, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025