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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

Encrypted messaging apps such as Telegram were also identified as key channels where disinformation can originate before spreading to mainstream platforms.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

ING estimates that around one-third of all new molecules that are in global pipelines originate in China, compared with 4% 12 years ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 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

The flight to Addis Ababa would originate in Dar es Salaam.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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

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