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
as in to source
Related Words
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
Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
Development and testing activities will take place at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard, which will serve as the reference environment for industrial validation and certification of the technology.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
When a witness began to reference them Monday, that witness was prevented from doing so.
—Justin Wingerter, Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
By choosing her references from the big screen rather than history, she’s made a film for cinephiles, not the bookworms.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
Development and testing activities will take place at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard, which will serve as the reference environment for industrial validation and certification of the technology.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
Cybercriminals often reference real purchases or account details to gain trust.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
When a witness began to reference them Monday, that witness was prevented from doing so.
—Justin Wingerter, Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
-
Counties would have five years to repay the loans, and would also have to pledge a source of revenue in the event FEMA didn't reimburse the funding.—
ALEX ROZIER Mississippi Today,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
-
That approach lowers costs at the source, keeps families in the district, and restores real ownership instead of treating homeownership like a recurring tax base for government.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Stewart, affectionately called Smoke, has at times said conflicting things in regards to his NASCAR driving career.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
-
In regard to farming and ranching water scarcity, will be a real issue.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Shot in Gray’s hometown of Los Angeles, the campaign documents a day in her life photographed by Quentin de Briey and styled by longtime collaborator Mel Ottenberg.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
19 Feb. 2026
-
That was just one of 23 violent incidents documented in court papers.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The system forces them to disregard sportsmanship and respect.—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
-
In this respect, Rose is a companion piece, being the story of another ordinary man, a struggling farmer in early 17th century Germany.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
