especially: the thing that a symbol (such as a word or sign) stands for
referentadjective
Examples of referent in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebBut Venezuela is no longer a referent for majestic glaciers.—Andrea Vasquez Guillen, Washington Post, 1 July 2024 That song, with its Dickensian referent, sets up the central character’s hopes and dreams, but the show never again reaches those emotional heights, neither narratively or musically.—Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2024 After the speech, the Indo-Pacific became a recurring referent in Japanese, Indian, and eventually Australian foreign policy circles.—Van Jackson, Foreign Affairs, 12 Mar. 2021 Albini, drummer Todd Trainer, and bassist Bob Weston lock in together one last time—a wiry whirlwind of concision, all jokes and referents (including a wink to the late Mark E. Smith of the Fall) and honed dynamics on their leanest LP, at 28 minutes.—Raymond Cummings, SPIN, 28 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for referent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'referent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Latin referent-, referens, present participle of referre
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