as in origin
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of germ
Everything that might harbor germs was dangerous.
—
New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025
Whole-Grain Bread Whole-grain bread retains the grain's bran, germ, and endosperm, providing fiber and minerals that promote healthy digestion.
—Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025
Also, steer clear of hand dryers, which Exum said can disperse germs.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025
Each one-liter bottle helps kill 99% of bad breath germs, strengthen enamel and fight cavities.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025
Whole-Grain Bread Whole-grain bread retains the grain's bran, germ, and endosperm, providing fiber and minerals that promote healthy digestion.
—Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025
Also, steer clear of hand dryers, which Exum said can disperse germs.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025
Each one-liter bottle helps kill 99% of bad breath germs, strengthen enamel and fight cavities.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germ
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germ
Noun
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Others believe a different origin story.—
Jordy Fee-Platt,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Uruguay origins The conference dates back to 2016 and is usually held in Punta del Este in the North American fall.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Evolito itself traces its roots to YASA’s early axial flux technology.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Oct. 2025
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Little Tokyo often steals the spotlight, but Gardena and Torrance’s Japanese American roots run just as deep.—
Mae Hamilton,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Gerdes loves purple millet for its combination of tall, dark foliage and bold seed heads (which birds appreciate, too).—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Oct. 2025
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The best way to get both nutrients is through food—bananas for potassium, nuts and seeds for magnesium.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Teasing the new season at the beginning of the first episode, which dropped on Thursday, the entrepreneur and reality star is seen going into an MRI scanner with her head appearing to be bandaged.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
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The embezzlement accusations would turn out to be just the beginning of Ozer’s troubles.—
Steve Belanger,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germ. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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