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
In addition to the new creative voices (including future Chernobyl and The Last of Us writer Craig Mazin), Scary Movie 3 has plenty of new references to work with, thanks in part to the rise of American J-horror remakes. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025 Like Kilpatrick, Howard associate dean Ingrid Sturgis said the school is updating its site and would soon restore the specific reference to Terez. Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
The post appeared to reference the couple's honeymoon. Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025 Charlton does not reference February 1958, but United’s last match pre-Munich was in the quarter-final of the European Cup, at Red Star. Michael Walker, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
  • New president Wade Rousse, hired to the job on Tuesday, has decided to promote interim athletic director Verge Ausberry to the full-time role, a school source confirmed to The Athletic.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Energy transition, by contrast, typically refers to the transfer from one energy source to another.
    Sam Meredith,Dan Murphy, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Terrible what happened to him in terms of opera and with regard to being burned by chandelier.
    Michaela Zee, Variety, 2 Nov. 2025
  • No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain.
    Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Although the percentage of those who experience side effects is not well documented or understood, fewer than 25% of spas analyzed in the JAMA report cite the potential for side effects to customers ahead of their injections.
    Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Federal standards require rigorous inspections to be done prior to demolition, and those inspections are then documented with a certification.
    Dr. Mark Abdelmalek, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The country of Thailand has entered a nationwide year-long period of mourning out of respect for the recent passing of the country's queen mother, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The San Francisco 49ers running back's commitment to the military community stems from a deep respect for service and a belief in supporting mental and physical wellness.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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