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

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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 There is a caveat, in that evolutionary biologists still do not understand how life originated on Earth. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 21 Feb. 2025 Hasbro is on track to cut the volume of U.S. toys and games that originate from China from 50% to less than 40% over the next two years, Goetter said. —Russell Leung, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2025 Aykroyd — who appeared on SNL from 1975 to 1979 and also originated such characters as the Coneheads and the Festrunk Brothers — was referenced several times during the anniversary weekend. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2025 Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth originated the roles of Elphaba and Glinda on Broadway, and made cameos in the film. —Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 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
  • The Girl Scout Cookie season began on Jan. 7 and typically runs through April, which means Thin Mints and other classics are still available for purchase.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Emma Green reports » The state of airline safety: The President has begun firing hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration employees, even as airplane accidents are occurring at an alarming frequency.
    — Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025
Definition of begin
Verb
  • Set in the fictional suburb of Erinsborough, Neighbours follows the lives of the residents of Ramsay Street, exploring the dramas, relationships and conflicts that arise among neighbors.
    — Gabriela Silva, TVLine, 21 Feb. 2025
  • However, in rare cases, certain complications can arise after the procedure.
    — Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of arise
Verb
  • Residents interested in gardening can register for a community garden plot starting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 18.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The plan was to slide P.J. Washington to small forward, play Davis at power forward and start either Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II at center.
    — Christian Clark, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of start
Verb
  • Adebayo also appears to be on his way to overtaking Haslem as the Heat’s all-time leading rebounder within the next two seasons.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Both women had been bludgeoned and hacked with what appeared to be a hatchet.
    — The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of appear
Verb
  • There are plenty of reasons for optimism with the Patriots including new coach Mike Vrabel and the roster rebuild that could soon commence as a result of the Pats having more cap space than any other team.
    — Chad Graff, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The deal commences with Lionsgate’s 2026 theatrical releases and also includes the studio’s 2025 slate and a commitment for licensing library movies and TV.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2025
Definition of commence
Verb
  • With fentanyl, there is only a short window of time to intervene and save a person’s life during an overdose.
    — Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
  • There is a broken down vehicle on Eastern Avenue between Raytown Road and I-435 South.
    — Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 16 Feb. 2025
Definition of be

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Cite this Entry

“Originate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originate. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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