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
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as in to source
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reference
City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
That was a reference to the hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026
Carly Neil, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
The torches reference a story in Kurdish mythology in which a courageous blacksmith assembles an army of villagers and kills a murderous king — signaling with the mountain-top flames that the Kurds are free.
—Jane Arraf, NPR, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
Authorities urged anyone who may recognize the woman from the rendering or her physical description to call the Medical Examiner’s Office at 858-694-2905 and reference case number 2022-01456.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
That was a reference to the hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
Your total discount will vary depending on the resort hotel you book and your exact vacation dates, so be sure to reference Disney's website for more details.
—Carly Neil, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
The torches reference a story in Kurdish mythology in which a courageous blacksmith assembles an army of villagers and kills a murderous king — signaling with the mountain-top flames that the Kurds are free.
—Jane Arraf, NPR, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
-
The draft footprint itself, including both sides of the Allegheny River, can only hold a little more than a football stadium, the source said, roughly 80,00 to 90,000 people.—
Ricky Sayer,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Ahead of its release, Humberstone sat down with PEOPLE to discuss her source of inspiration.—
Daniela Avila,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Several networks have, by design or otherwise, moved toward the coverage of political conflict as a form of branding and entertainment with little regard for actual news reporting or without regard for setting clear boundaries between opinion or commentary and factual reporting of the news.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Victor Serge and Vasily Grossman were my inspirations in this regard.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In 2019, filmmakers gained rare access to document a revival meeting inside an Alabama prison, leading to a six-year investigation into the state’s deadly prison system, characterized by corruption, violence, and neglect.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The art center opened on Dartmouth’s campus in 2012, thanks to a $48 million gift from billionaire financier and art collector—and 1973 Dartmouth alum—Leon Black and his wife Debra, whose friendship and business dealings with Jeffrey Epstein are well documented.—
Leigh Anne Miller,
ARTnews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
When expectations are clear, support feels more stable and mutual respect grows naturally.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Queen Mary wore a navy blue suit for the royal occasion and the dark hue was interpreted as a gesture of respect following her father's death, while still celebrating her mother-in-law's birthday.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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