source 1 of 2

1
2
as in headwater
the beginning part of a stream 19th-century explorers who sought the source of the Nile

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in reference
something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information the professor asked the students to have at least five different sources for their papers

Synonyms & Similar Words

source

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word source distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of source are inception, origin, and root. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile
the source of recurrent trouble

When is inception a more appropriate choice than source?

While in some cases nearly identical to source, 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 source?

The words origin and source are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When can root be used instead of source?

While the synonyms root and source are close in meaning, root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

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 source
Noun
Their supply chain is 98% Certified Organic, and their sourcing model prioritizes long-term contracts, pre-harvest financing, and hands-on collaboration with producers. Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 Dinner at River & Rail is indulgent and locally sourced (think fresh trout and house charcuterie). Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 13 July 2025
Verb
Communities are encouraged to work together, removing food sources and actively hazing coyotes, to prevent them from becoming too comfortable around people. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025 My sources tell me that the FBI wanted to release more information about Jeffrey Epstein, and Pam Blondi and her DOJ said NO. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for source
Recent Examples of Synonyms for source
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
  • The headwaters originate near 151st Street and Antioch Road in Overland Park and flows east for 4 miles through Leawood, ending at the Blue River in Missouri.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2025
  • Recovery efforts continue, with more than 1,000 local, state, and federal personnel – alongside thousands of volunteers from across the country – combing the area on foot from the river’s headwaters to Canyon Lake.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • One of the factors that played into the delay of the film was reference to allegations made by 13-year-old Jordan Chandler, who accused Jackson of molestation in 1993 and later settled with the pop star for $20 million in 1994, with no admission of guilt from Jackson.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 24 July 2025
  • Delineating each and every Speedmaster reference would be a fruitless errand — tiny nuances during early production years mean that there are quite literally countless inscrutable variants within single reference numbers.
    Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Maverik's fountain drinks offer a wide variety of brands and flavor mix-ins like coconut, lime and cream. 4.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025
  • Other National Slurpee Day specials at 7-Eleven Free Slurpees aren't the only deals fans can get at 7-Eleven today: Sip: The limited-time pineapple-berry blend flavor, MTN Dew Infinite Swirl Slurpee, is back at 7-Eleven (also available as a fountain drink or in 20-ounce bottles).
    Jason Rossi, The Enquirer, 11 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
  • Fact: Healthy lawns should be watered deeply, but less often, to encourage root growth and drought tolerance.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 20 July 2025
  • Without addressing root causes of violence, long-term solutions and improvements can never be realized.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Bloc Party appeared on NPR Tiny Desk for the first time with a career-spanning set that goes back to the very beginning.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • In the announcement video, she’s seen wearing a black catsuit with patent leather thigh-high boots, walking in front of a backdrop with the album title written over and over in her signature font.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 21 July 2025
  • The Tonale name is beautifully centered across the tailgate in a hipster cursive font.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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