origins

NOUN

cause, basis

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ancestor ancestry connection element influence motive provenance root source

STRONG

agent antecedent author base causality causation creator derivation determinant egg embryo fountain generator germ impulse inception inducement inspiration mainspring nucleus occasion parent parentage principle producer progenitor provenience roots seed spring stock well wellspring

WEAK

horse's mouth

Antonyms

STRONG

conclusion effect end ending result

WEAK

close completion consequence death destiny finale goal outcome outgrowth termination

NOUN

beginning, inception

Synonyms

STRONGEST

birth genesis

STRONG

alpha commencement creation dawn dawning embarkation emergence entrance entry forging foundation inauguration ingress initiation introduction launch nativity opener origination outbreak outset rise start

WEAK

blast off day one early stage git go square one starting point

Antonyms

STRONGEST

conclusion end finish

STRONG

close completion death ending exit stop

WEAK

consequence destiny effect finale goal outcome outgrowth result termination

NOUN

family, heritage

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ancestry birth descent lineage

STRONG

beginnings blood extraction maternity parentage paternity pedigree stock

Antonyms

WEAK

close completion conclusion consequence death destiny effect end finale goal outcome outgrowth result termination

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.

Popular around my firehouse is a line directly cribbed from its military origins: “Death smiles at everyone. Firefighters smile back.”

From Slate • Jul. 10, 2026

Embroidered in wool thread, the tapestry tells its story in words and images, but its origins have remained shrouded in some mystery and much speculation.

From Barron's • Jul. 8, 2026

The story of our origins becomes a tabloid romance.

From Science Daily • Jul. 7, 2026

Chili’s origins are debated, but it is believed to have its roots in Mexican cuisine and was popular in the 19th century as a cheap and portable source of protein for cowboys.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 6, 2026

Despite its independent origins and distinctive sign forms, Maya writing is organized on principles basically similar to those of Sumerian writing and other western Eurasian writing systems that Sumerian inspired.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond