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

3
4

root

2 of 2

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
Such provocative and dangerous moves are the root cause for maritime security issues. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025 His return to the company came amid a broader push by CEO Andy Jassy to re-embrace Amazon’s startup roots. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 18 July 2025
Verb
Pull out sections that have attached or rooted on your side of the property line and then cut them back. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 July 2025 Major Medicaid bill moves forward Top Republican leadership are convinced there could be enough inefficiencies and abusers of the system that rooting them out could make a big dent in Indiana's growing Medicaid costs. Brittany Carloni, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for root
Recent Examples of Synonyms for root
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
  • Ward recalled the origin story of when the DCC head, Kelli Finglass, realized that an updo would be best for her during games.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 21 July 2025
  • The origin story behind the ice cream sundae comes swirled with mystery, history, as well as chocolate and even a cherry on top.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Rogge wasn’t admitted and did a foundation year in Antwerp. 2005 - 2008 Enrolls in the bachelor’s program at the Royal Academy.
    Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • At this year’s climate meeting in Bonn, global leaders laid the foundation for this shift.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Are these really the first kernels of the Justice League for you in the DCU?
    EW.com, EW.com, 18 July 2025
  • In its natural state, a whole kernel of wheat has three layers underneath the outer husk.
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • The organization has already changed laws in 21 states—red, blue, and purple—working across political divides to embed economic justice into survivor support systems.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The strain damages the roots of the hair embedded in the skin in your follicles.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The installation consists of a cradle to hold a cell phone in a specific position, and signage with a QR code for uploading the photographs to the database.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • This padding creates a supportive cradle, allowing your cat to sleep comfortably and securely.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Recent flooding in Texas at the beginning of the month killed at least 130 people, New York and New Jersey has also just been hit by flash flooding, and the fourth tropical storm of the season is expected to hit the coast of Florida this week.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 15 July 2025
  • They are required at the beginning of 8th grade, and staff must collaborate with students and their families to create and review the plans annually.
    Jean Eddy, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • And buyouts mean that towns’ tax bases decrease, bringing in less money to apply to future floods.
    John Seabrook, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
  • After Chandler Simpson popped out — ending his Rays rookie-record hitting streak at 18 games — Ha-Seong Kim and Yandy Diaz walked, loading the bases and bringing up All-Star Junior Caminero.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Root.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/root. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on root

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!