root 1 of 2

1
2
as in origin
the source from which something grows or develops one would need to go back at least several hundred years to find the root of the entrenched hostility between the neighboring nations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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root

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word root distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of root are inception, origin, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When would inception be a good substitute for root?

While the synonyms inception and root are close in meaning, inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When is it sensible to use origin instead of root?

The synonyms origin and root are sometimes interchangeable, but origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

Where would source be a reasonable alternative to root?

In some situations, the words source and root are roughly equivalent. However, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile
the source of recurrent trouble

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 root
Noun
In this case, the data so far do point to the specific combination of mRNA and HIV as a root cause. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 31 May 2025 Eastern and functional medicine approaches focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of migraine by viewing the body as an interconnected system. Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 30 May 2025
Verb
Life offers a series of uncomfortable truths, often rooted not in surface-level perception but in our deeper human wiring. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 But the specter of A.I. misuse, and the imperfect systems used to root it out, may also be affecting students who are following the rules. Callie Holtermann, New York Times, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for root
Recent Examples of Synonyms for root
Noun
  • Charlie Davis Season: 46 Placed: 2nd If Q was the hurricane blowing through Survivor 46, Davis was a source of calm geniality at the center, constantly quoting Taylor Swift songs while obscuring his careful, clever gameplay.
    Ben Rosenstock, Time, 29 May 2025
  • In addition, with Serge Gnabry a year away from being a free agent, Leroy Sane’s contract renewal increasingly tenuous, and Kingsley Coman another likely departure, the wide forwards positions — which have so often been a source of such power — need regenerating.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • As global airlines compete for high-paying passengers, wine is emerging as a new marker of status—less about volume and more about origin, style and association with elite producers.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • He is charged in U.S. District Court in Colorado with a hate crime involving actual or perceived race, religion, or national origin.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Such knowledge, fully consistent with patriotism, provides an indispensable foundation for debates about contemporary issues.
    James T. Kloppenberg, Time, 28 May 2025
  • When trust erodes, so does the foundation for data sharing that powers our innovation economy.
    Nick Hart, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • When beta-carotene isn't present, the kernels are pale white.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025
  • Rather than constantly chasing the newest shiny kernel of knowledge, aim for depth and breadth.
    Dennis Kozak, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Cybersecurity must be embedded into the DNA of an organization.
    Francis Dinha, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Suitable for those with little ones and pets running around, the fabric is non-absorptive, meaning spills and crumbs won’t stay embedded in its weave.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Spanning 17 autonomous regions and two small enclaves in North Africa, the country is a cradle of diverse cultures, geography, traditions, even languages.
    Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 28 May 2025
  • Bonus: There are cradles for your dumbbells, along with a tablet holder.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • The spindly youngster is at the beginning of a journey that will successively turn him into one of the most promising, one of the most unfortunate, one of the most maddening and ultimately one of the most celebrated football players in the world.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • At the beginning of the 2022—2023 school year, Luis Hinojosa was appointed as the principal of Pitcher Elementary School, according to court documents.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • These wooden cabins were then placed on trucks and driven to locations near the bases.
    Benjamin Brown, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
  • Ukrainians in Kyiv welcomed the strikes on Russian air bases but were gloomy about prospects for a peace agreement.
    Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Root.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/root. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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