1
as in sources
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
2
as in roots
the source from which something grows or develops
the origin of the tradition of giving presents at Christmastime
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in lineages
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended
they could trace their origins back 15 generations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of origins
This analysis could enable researchers to trace the materials’ origins, potentially leading to the discovery of ancient workshops.
—
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 13 Apr. 2025
Hamm and Yang play a gay couple who suddenly appear with a newborn — and want to be treated just like their straight friends, reacting incredulously to reasonable questions about the child’s origins.
—Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025
The festival’s origins trace back to Manhattan, Kansas, in 1996.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2025
Despite their common origins, similar cultures, and long ties of commerce and kinship, the countries grew to hate each other as only estranged family members can.
—Tom Bell, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
Jason Isaacs is clarifying the origins of his White Lotus character's accent.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
While such reservoirs have been found before, their origins were previously unclear.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 10 Apr. 2025
People pride themselves on mastering the complications and origins of our words.
—Big Think, 10 Apr. 2025
Yet, even now, the true origins of these looks remain overlooked, as the cycle continues without proper credit.
—Alexandra Jane, Essence, 10 Apr. 2025
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 13 Apr. 2025
Hamm and Yang play a gay couple who suddenly appear with a newborn — and want to be treated just like their straight friends, reacting incredulously to reasonable questions about the child’s origins.
—Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025
The festival’s origins trace back to Manhattan, Kansas, in 1996.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2025
Despite their common origins, similar cultures, and long ties of commerce and kinship, the countries grew to hate each other as only estranged family members can.
—Tom Bell, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
Jason Isaacs is clarifying the origins of his White Lotus character's accent.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
While such reservoirs have been found before, their origins were previously unclear.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 10 Apr. 2025
People pride themselves on mastering the complications and origins of our words.
—Big Think, 10 Apr. 2025
Yet, even now, the true origins of these looks remain overlooked, as the cycle continues without proper credit.
—Alexandra Jane, Essence, 10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Origins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origins. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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