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 His turban is black and tied in the Kenyan style, a smooth, tailored look that originated among Sikhs who immigrated to British East Africa. —Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 21 June 2025 One claims that the area’s name originates from the love story between the demigod Hercules and a nymph named Amalfi. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025 Roberts also directed a play Betts wrote, Screen Test: Take One, about a soap opera that originated on a film set. —Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025 The team behind this research theorizes that these filaments originate from within the radio galaxies of Abell 2255 and were dragged out by turbulent motion within the galaxy cluster. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 June 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
  • Tim Hortons began as a single location in Canada in 1964.
    — Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 13 July 2025
  • James’ trial was delayed in November 2024 when attorney Harvey Steinberg withdrew from the case, just weeks before the trial was set to begin.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of begin
Verb
  • Legal complications have arisen since his version of events became a hit TV show.
    — Latoya Gayle, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • When tech issues arise, fingers, by default, point at the IT team.
    — Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of arise
Verb
  • He’s set to start the All-Star Game in right field on Tuesday night.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2025
  • The two got married, had a baby, and started a quiet life together far away from his violent past.
    — Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of start
Verb
  • Advertisement Musk became a close ally of Trump’s and appeared at major campaign rallies with him, addressing large crowds and urging them to vote for Trump.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 6 July 2025
  • Home plate umpire John Bacon appeared to miss two pitches in that at-bat, which miffed Mendoza, who erupted out of the dugout, kicked some dirt and was quickly ejected.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 July 2025
Definition of appear
Verb
  • While Merck has built a solid pipeline and commenced new product launches, the timeline remains tight and the revenue gap significant.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Search efforts continued through about 1 a.m. Thursday and commenced at first light.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of commence
Verb
  • But people seem to like it, though there are barely even enough critic or audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes to make heads or tails of its quality.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • While the Fourth of July is arguably the biggest cookout day of the year, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy spending time outside this summer.
    — Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 10 July 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 19 Jul. 2025.

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