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.

Her new book, Migration and the Origins of American Citizenship, will be published on March 24.

From Slate • Mar. 16, 2026

He said that its “consumer-facing” investments included opening new retail locations for its luxury fragrance brands while closing some of its MAC and Origins locations.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 5, 2026

Event notes: The Compton Art and History Museum is inviting the community to “The Proud Origins Walk,” a 5K walk that celebrates culture and migration.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

Hannah Arendt warned in “The Origins of Totalitarianism” that when the absurd becomes normal, thinking itself collapses.

From Salon • Nov. 3, 2025

There is a certain irony in Butterfield’s adoption of the retrospective term ‘Scientific Revolution’, and an even greater one in his choice of The Origins of Modern Science for his title.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton