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Showing results for originate.
Definitions

originate

[uh-rij-uh-neyt] / əˈrɪdʒ əˌneɪt /
VERB
begin; spring
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arise come from derive emanate emerge stem
STRONG
birth come commence dawn flow issue proceed result rise start
WEAK
be born come into existence hail from
Antonyms
STRONG
cease complete end finish recede stop
WEAK
effect result terminate
VERB
create, introduce
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conceive develop discover evolve found generate hatch initiate invent produce spark spawn
STRONG
cause coin compose form formulate inaugurate innovate institute launch make parent pioneer procreate start
WEAK
break the ice bring about come up with give birth to open up set in motion set up think up usher in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cease decrease destroy end halt stop
STRONG
finish kill prevent ruin
WEAK
effect result terminate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Because all dystonias originate in the brain, treatments are challenging.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

Named after the constellation of Lyra where they appear to originate from, the shower peaks on 22 April.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Others have pointed out that the cost to pull a borrower’s credit records is a fraction of the cost to originate a mortgage.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

"From a theoretical perspective, this system is remarkable because friction does not originate from a physical surface contact, but from the collective dynamics of magnetic moments," explains Anton Lüders, who developed the theoretical description.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

While the College of Physicians assured everyone that yellow fever did not originate in the water, the majority of citizens felt otherwise.

From "An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793" by Jim Murphy

Vocabulary lists containing originate

100 SAT words Beginning with "O"

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Jumpstart Your Vocab: Synonyms for "Begin"

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Ten Words from Today's NY Times - June 6, 2012

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!