reference 1 of 2

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

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
Haigh went on to reference two of Haring’s most famous works, Radiant and Party of Life. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025 Trump did not reference Hernandez directly in the post. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
Sartori also takes a global perspective, picking up references from all corners. Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2025 Those words, though, are likely a reference to a sequence of moves on a controller that unleashes a powerful bomb and accompanying phrase in a third-person shooter video game called Helldivers 2. Richard Hall, Time, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
  • The Tesla is registered to 20-year-old David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, according to a senior LAPD source.
    Alex Stone, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • During more than two hours of testimony, journalist Michael Shellenberger testified that sources had informed him that intelligence communities are in possession of numerous high-resolution photos and videos of the craft unlike any of the grainy imagery that has so far been declassified.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This ruthless cartel is intent on cashing in, permeating our communities with their poison, with no regard to human suffering.
    Jon Haworth, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Chelsea provided a clue in that regard by lodging a €40m bid for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez a few days before the deadline and opted not to pursue it.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis documented, the press are often participants, not merely neutral observers, in the Israel-Islamist conflict.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Such ingredients included cannabis extract and synthetic psychedelics whose effects and safety have not been formally documented or studied.
    Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Every caregiver deserves respect and freedom from judgment.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Balancing Authenticity And Messaging Discipline At FDH Aero, our values—service first, respect, amplification, open-mindedness and accountability—aren’t just wall art.
    Heather Rosenow, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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