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
Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Colorado State Patrol dispatchers at 719-544-2424 and reference case VC260027.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Criminals may reference the breach to sound legitimate.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
Nothing set off any alarm bells, until Quintana looked at the references and saw his own name.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Colorado State Patrol dispatchers at 719-544-2424 and reference case VC260027.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
His side likely will be eager to reference five pitchers with AAVs of more than $32 million — Zack Wheeler, deGrom, Blake Snell, Gerrit Cole and Corbin Burnes — not to mention others above his midpoint.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Criminals may reference the breach to sound legitimate.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
-
Venezuela was hardly an impartial source; nor was OPEC, of which Caracas was a founding member and to which the new numbers were officially reported.—
Scott Montgomery,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Later, sources told CNN the Justice Department stopped investigating the agent and federal authorities refused to share information with local investigators.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Details are still coming together in regards to how Lionsgate will be celebrating the theatrical business at CinemaCon this year.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
24 Jan. 2026
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In that regard, moving Wiggins should remain a consideration.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There is no scientific consensus about when syphilis actually began — but it was first documented in Europe in the 15th century.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Start by documenting your achievements weekly—projects managed, revenue generated, processes improved, or problems solved.—
Kwame Christian Esq,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Keane loved Polinsky’s insistence on inclusiveness, respect for the governor down to the most obscure staffer, and zero tolerance for those disrespectful to rank-and-file workers.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
26 Jan. 2026
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More effective diplomacy, as demonstrated by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron at the same forum, conveys the same message about resisting bullying through measured language that preserves dignity and institutional respect.—
George Skelton,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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