reference 1 of 2

noun

ˈre-fərn(t)s How to pronounce reference (audio)
Definition of referencenext
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

as in to source

Related Words

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
Mirhosseni recalls being shocked at Mac’s deeper understanding of filmmaking as the director pitched him cinephile references like David Fincher’s mystery thriller The Game and Wong Kar-Wai’s 2000 film In the Mood for Love. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026 The company dispensed with its DEI disclosures to investors, scrubbing any references to goals and resources aimed at boosting diversity at the company. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
However, these agreements do not reference the facility or otherwise indicate that ICE approved the state of Florida to use it as an immigration detention facility,’ the report stated. — Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026 The capsule features racer-style jackets, racing shoes and vintage-style caps, with designs that reference the details and spirit of vintage racing. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
  1. source
  2. regard
  3. document
  4. respect
Noun
  • However, a source familiar with the situation told Sportico that the NCAA is not currently part of the latest funding discussions, which are focused squarely on the Pentagon.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Its introduction will provide an early opportunity for the next commissioner to demonstrate progress on a recurring source of frustration.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of source
Noun
  • The three-peat is slowly, agonizingly having the life squeezed out of it by a collection of hardscrabble Midwesterners with no regard for stardom or status.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • YouTube good for democracy The likes of RTL and the BBC air plenty of news on YouTube and Pina argued today that YouTube can help with democracy in this regard.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of regard
Verb
  • Raqib Naik, the center’s founder and executive director, said that the team documented an influx of posts portraying South Asians as invaders, job thieves and a demographic threat, evoking Great Replacement theory and remigration rhetoric.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The company has documented instances in which experimental agents took unauthorized actions during testing, including exploiting vulnerabilities and accessing external systems.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of document
Noun
  • Just one more reason to give the clever little honey bee its due respect.
    — Mike McRae October 12, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Gallup also found that perceptions of leadership trust, organizational care, cultural connection and respect were related to how employees experienced this period of change.
    — Shahrzad Jalali, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of respect

Phrases Containing reference

Browse Nearby Words

referees
reference
referenced
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Cite this Entry

“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reference

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reference

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