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 Local officials have said at least three significant blazes this year originated in encampments, including fires in Mission Valley, Rancho Bernardo and La Jolla that caused hundreds of people to flee their homes. —Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025 Stand Downs originated during the Vietnam War as safe retreats where combat units could rest, recover, and enjoy camaraderie in a secure environment. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2025 Portnoy was instrumental in Alex Cooper’s success since Call Her Daddy originated as a Barstool original podcast. —Caroline Bell, StyleCaster, 26 Feb. 2025 The Friday earthquake originated near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city of about 1.5 million, from rubbing tectonic plates along the Sagaing fault, which runs through the center of the country. —Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 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
  • That journey begins Tuesday when Florida begins its opening-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena (8:30 p.m., ESPN/Scripps Sports).
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Max subscription plans begin at $9.99 a month with ads while ad-free subscriptions cost $16.99 a month.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of begin
Verb
  • Your passion must propel you forward when obstacles arise.
    — Jay Ruderman, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But some conservationists are expressing wide ranging concern about the unintended consequences that could arise as researchers continue to try and resurrect versions of extinct animals.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of arise
Verb
  • The moment commitment gets reflective, inconvenient, or emotionally complex, people start scanning for the opt-out clause.
    — Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, Smash The Musical starts just well enough, and stays there.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of start
Verb
  • After the risk assessment, the brothers will appear at independent parole board hearings on June 13, Newsom said.
    — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • These concerns appeared to strike a chord—at least in part—with U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken, who brought up the issue several times during this week’s fairness hearing over whether to grant the settlement’s final approval.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of appear
Verb
  • Around the same time, the company commenced an aggressive play for the college sports insurance market, introducing a novel contract protection product for NIL collectives while also trying to get into the critical injury coverage niche.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Production on the second season of Nobody Wants This commenced in March 2025.
    — Michael Nied, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of commence
Verb
  • At this time, there is no information on the containment of the fire and the cause of it has yet to be determined.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • There is a broken down vehicle on I-40/US-71 from I-435 to Bannister Road.
    — Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of be

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Originate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originate. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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