Synonyms of reference

reference 1 of 2

noun

ˈre-fərn(t)s 

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

• source
• authority
• quotation
• citation
• extract
• footnote
• excerpt
• caption
• cross-reference
• note

2

as in regard

relation to or concern with something specified

this reply is in reference to your last question

Synonyms & Similar Words

• regard
• respect

reference

2 of 2

verb

as in to source

Related Words

• source
• document
• validate
• corroborate
• specify
• illustrate
• touch (on or upon)
• refer (to)
• bear out
• substantiate
• instance
• represent
• name
• mention
• exemplify
• cite
• quote
• advert (to)
• adduce

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reference

Noun

The lyrics reference the anthem of the antifascist Italian resistance during World War II. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025

Police recovered posts that appeared to reference the 1999 Columbine High School mass shooting and the 2022 Uvalde, Texas, elementary school mass shooting, according to court documents. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2025

Verb

Indeed, the drawbacks of these machines for the wrist—their reliance on a human being as an energy source, their lack of uniformity within identical reference numbers, even their oft-finicky nature—are what gives them their considerable charm. —Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2025

But, throughout the show, there were little references. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Sep. 2025

Phrases Containing reference

• frame of reference