refer

verb

ri-ˈfər How to pronounce refer (audio)
Definition of refernext
as in to apply
to have a relation or connection I don't think that rule of play refers to this particular situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 refer OpenAI did not respond to Fortune’s questions about the Modal incident specifically; the company referred Fortune to the public blog post. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 29 July 2026 Rather than immediately referring struggling students for special education, schools provide increasingly intensive interventions while collecting objective data about whether those interventions work. — Scott White, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 The council voted unanimously to refer the proposal to the city attorney for further review. — Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026 In Rhode Island, McElroy referred DOJ lawyers to a review board for possible discipline for their handling of the hospital investigation. — J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for refer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refer
  1. apply
  2. relate
  3. pertain
Verb
  • During the LolaVie styling session, Aniston also praised Cox’s hair while applying the brand’s Glossing Detangler.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
  • However, If a governor is elected for a term of fewer than three years, that term will not apply against governor term limits.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 29 July 2026
Definition of apply
Verb
  • The company beat on the top line but missed Wall Street’s earnings forecast on the legal and severance-related charges.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 29 July 2026
  • Not held separately, not synced on a schedule, but modeled so the system understands how records relate rather than just storing them.
    — Patrick O'Connor, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of relate
Verb
  • The senator recently released more than 1,000 pages of Fauci’s personal records, including his pandemic-era diary, and several batches of documents pertaining to the origins of the coronavirus.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 29 July 2026
  • There are examples of this sort of thing across college athletics, where players try to avoid paying a buyout that pertains to their previous school.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of pertain

Phrases Containing refer

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Cite this Entry

“Refer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refer. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of refer for Spanish Speakers

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