reference 1 of 2

1
as in source
something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information the author's argument is interesting, but the lack of references makes me wonder if it can be proven

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in regard
relation to or concern with something specified this reply is in reference to your last question

Synonyms & Similar Words

reference

2 of 2

verb

Example 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 reference
Noun
South Park's season 27 premiere referenced the settlement of the lawsuit and the Late Show cancellation. Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025 During his speech, Legend also referenced the current political climate, criticizing the Trump administration for its immigration policies. Alex Cramer, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
Verb
These terminations are being justified under new policies from the Department of Health and Human Services and the NIH that forbid references to diversity, equity and inclusion. Timothy Holtz, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025 And lots of references to a lesser extent to the civil rights movement. Alex Dueben july 21, Literary Hub, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
  • This shift reframes resilience as a source of growth and stability.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Indeed, the former official said, Israel had largely given up trying to cultivate human sources inside Hamas and Hezbollah.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Is there a rule of thumb in regards to doing this conversion?
    Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025
  • There was, however, some drama in regards to the second show, and how the multiple performances came about.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • With the help of digital monitoring systems, for example, cold chains or hygiene standards can be monitored and properly documented.
    Stephy Beck, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The 11-day trip is led by National Geographic photographer Mattias Klum and Behzad J. Larry, founder of the High Asia Habitat Fund who has been documenting the Himalayan wildcats for several years.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Amid widespread concern about social injustices across the U.S. in 2020, both the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians decided to change their controversial names out of respect for Native Americans.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 21 July 2025
  • This would mean, unless and until the issue is resolved by the Supreme Court or Congress, legal rights of consumers, businesses and online content providers with respect to data sharing are different in different parts of the country.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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