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
Relevance
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
The Bureau referred 27 cases for possible criminal prosecution to District Attorneys in 2025, a ninefold increase from 2023.
—
Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
However, Fort Worth police referred the case to Glen Rose police because Laura lives within the city limits.
—Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
While that advice refers primarily to metal utensils, the same principles apply across materials, especially where thin construction can increase the risk of breakage.
—Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
The council, however, decided to vote on Monday on a resolution to not refer the zoning request to the city’s Plan and Design Commission, effectively dropping the matter as a policy consideration.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer
Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
However, Fort Worth police referred the case to Glen Rose police because Laura lives within the city limits.
—Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
While that advice refers primarily to metal utensils, the same principles apply across materials, especially where thin construction can increase the risk of breakage.
—Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
The council, however, decided to vote on Monday on a resolution to not refer the zoning request to the city’s Plan and Design Commission, effectively dropping the matter as a policy consideration.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refer
Verb
-
The Financially Distressed City Law allows home-rule municipalities in the top 5% of tax rates and the bottom 5% of tax income per capita to apply for fiscal relief via a state takeover of finances.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The change will not apply to customers who bought tickets before Friday, April 3, the airline said.—
Jordan Freiman,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
During the men’s Euros in 2024, police forces reported 351 incidents of domestic abuse as being football-related.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
-
This album explores nothing less than the cycle of life, as related through changes of season.—
Brett Milano,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But when later asked about Mecklenburg County’s denial of public records pertaining to the death of 6-year-old Dominique Moody in December, Merriweather declined to comment.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The Constitution vests the administration of elections in the states, though Congress can pass laws pertaining to elections.—
Garrett Downs,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refer. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
