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

Examples 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 There’s some murkiness about where the recipe originated; both baking brands While Lily and Martha White claim to have pioneered the beloved bread. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2024 The Mexican American designer, who grew up in the small city of Huron in California’s San Joaquin Valley, has always had the Mexican working class spirit ingrained in his ethos thanks to his parents, who originate from both Mexican and Irish descent. Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024 Carpool Karaoke originated as a series of segments on The Late Late Show with James Corden before becoming a stand-alone variety series beginning in 2017, first on Apple Music and then eventually migrating to Apple TV+ for its final season, Season 5, which aired its last episode in June 2023. Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2024 Debuting on December 6, 1964 on NBC under the umbrella title of The General Electric Fantasy Hour, the special was based on the 1949 song by Johnny Marks (which originated as a poem of the same name in 1939 written by Marks’ brother-in-law, Robert L. May). Marc Berman, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for originate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originate
Verb
  • From then on, Chavez Sr. also began raping the girl at least once a week for the next four years, Inabnett testified.
    Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Daniels began earning trust from Kingsbury in rookie mini-camp.
    Ben Standig, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Following the shootings, questions have arisen over whether female mass shooters are on the rise.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • This can pave the way for slower deliveries and fractured relationships when any form of inefficiency arises.
    Dmytro Spilka, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Residents have been photographing lights in the sky since reports of drones started circulating in mid-November.
    George Petras, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Overall, retailers had a decent start to the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping period despite lots of discounts and sales that started as early as October.
    Christopher Rugaber and Anne D’Innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • One of the lead actors appears on camera to directly address audiences about what lies ahead, along with an on-screen QR code that the audience can access for more information about continuing the narrative (for an additional price).
    Joe Leydon, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024
  • The new Core 1 Gig, Home 3 Gig, and Edge 8 Gig plans appear to have launched last month and streamline the company’s existing options, as spotted earlier by 9to5Google.
    Emma Roth, The Verge, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Speaking before a Chicago audience, Homan also reaffirmed the Trump administration’s plan to commence with the deportations soon after officially President-elect Donald Trump takes the office Jan. 20.
    Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Dec. 2024
  • That commenced a vagabond tour of the big leagues in which Henderson played for seven different teams over his final eight seasons — including a fourth stint in Oakland in 1998.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • There is still time to make sure domestic mail and packages are delivered in time for Christmas Eve using FedEx.
    Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024
  • There is also the classic Cronenberg archetype: the technology guru who hard-sells scientific progress as humankind’s salvation but is in fact consumed by his own greedy messianism.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near originate

Cite this Entry

“Originate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originate. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on originate

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