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
Its exact origins are unknown, but it was most likely discovered in South India in the 13th century.
—
Emma Caughlan, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
The origins of outlaw country music, popular in the 1970s and ‘80s, are largely credited to Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, but Coe was a seminal figure in the subgenre.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Olive moves away from military origins to more refined looks.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
Using animations of Eddie and talking-head interviews with famous fans including Javier Bardem, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, Chuck D, and the Cure’s Simon Gallup, among others, the doc traces the group’s East London origins, galvanizing a loyal fanbase that now sees them in arenas and stadiums.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026
Food justice has received a lot of attention and support over the past twenty-five years, though its origins are arguably much older.
—Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Morens is also alleged to have evaded numerous record requests, including from journalists, that had to do with the pandemic’s origins and gain-of-function research—an area of study that can involve deliberately making a pathogen more deadly to investigate what its effects are and how to combat it.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 29 Apr. 2026
Lowery discussed the origins and real-life musical inspirations for Hathaway’s character on the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2026
The musical chronicles the life and times of Perón, including her origins, rise to fame, political career and untimely death.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Emma Caughlan, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
The origins of outlaw country music, popular in the 1970s and ‘80s, are largely credited to Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, but Coe was a seminal figure in the subgenre.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Olive moves away from military origins to more refined looks.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
Using animations of Eddie and talking-head interviews with famous fans including Javier Bardem, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, Chuck D, and the Cure’s Simon Gallup, among others, the doc traces the group’s East London origins, galvanizing a loyal fanbase that now sees them in arenas and stadiums.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026
Food justice has received a lot of attention and support over the past twenty-five years, though its origins are arguably much older.
—Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Morens is also alleged to have evaded numerous record requests, including from journalists, that had to do with the pandemic’s origins and gain-of-function research—an area of study that can involve deliberately making a pathogen more deadly to investigate what its effects are and how to combat it.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 29 Apr. 2026
Lowery discussed the origins and real-life musical inspirations for Hathaway’s character on the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2026
The musical chronicles the life and times of Perón, including her origins, rise to fame, political career and untimely death.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origins
Noun
-
At least three rounds were fired, sources said.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
-
So, those considering an annuity should weigh it alongside their broader financial picture, including other assets, income sources and health outlook.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
As a city that is always negotiating with modernity, the tradition of jol khabar remains a comforting anchor, binding generations to their cultural roots and evoking nostalgia.—
Madhushree Basu Roy,
Saveur,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The ancient technique used by Indigenous farmers helps direct rainfall to their roots.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Last week, the fellows presented their culturally sustainable materials that center Black community histories and lineages for young learners ages 3-7.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Last week, the fellows presented their culturally sustainable materials that center Black community histories and lineages for young learners ages 3-7.—
Darcel Rockett,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the sweet video, Steinfeld lifts her black sweatshirt to reveal her baby bump, which her husband then kisses and cradles; the two frolic in the snow looking so in love.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Cellphone mounts or cradles allow people to access their mobile devices at all times.—
Rachel Swan,
San Francisco Chronicle,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This is a year of new beginnings, adventures and major changes.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Gerrymandering as a practice goes back to the beginnings of the republic—the term comes from maps drawn under Governor Elbridge Gerry in 1812.—
Adam Serwer,
The Atlantic,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Eastern and western ancestries in Karelian Mesolithic dogs suggest that two lineages diverged during the Paleolithic.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Mar. 2026
-
That drops to 49% for Hispanic/Latino patients, 29% for Black patients and even lower for mixed ancestries, the NMDP reports.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This year’s list of the hot new restaurants covers the latest and greatest, including tiny but mighty dining rooms that punch well above their weight, and hotel fine diners with prestigious pedigrees.—
CNT Editors,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
These are both teams with winning pedigrees that have just been gutted, losing some key players in the past week.—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The seal texts often introduced the owners with their names, genealogies, gender, professions and hometowns.—
Serdar Yalçin,
The Conversation,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Transcripts, grammars, vocabularies, dictionaries, glyph studies, botanical studies, commentaries, articles, editions of codices, correspondence, maps, charts, drawings, photographs, Maya Society materials, genealogies of Maya families, and Mayan glyphs on moveable type.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Origins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origins. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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