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
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as in to source
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reference
Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 1 May 2025
The reference for Mary’s character was Paula Abdul.
—Essence, 1 May 2025
Dalton Ross, EW.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Clips referencing Vril and Agartha have been a fixture of online communities for years.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
But the earliest reference of this both specific and general inquiry dates back to a 2020 Reddit post, where a user posed the same question in the r/whowouldwin subreddit, a forum home to random hypothetical discussions on a variety of topics.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 1 May 2025
The reference for Mary’s character was Paula Abdul.
—Essence, 1 May 2025
Verb
Senator Bail Organa was first referenced in the very first Star Wars movie when A New Hope came out in 1977.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Clips referencing Vril and Agartha have been a fixture of online communities for years.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
-
Axios initially reported on Saturday that the US, Israel and representatives of a new international foundation are close to an agreement on how to resume the delivery of aid, citing two anonymous Israeli and US sources The Israeli source who spoke to CNN would not say if a deal was imminent.—
Jennifer Hansler,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
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From dust and hair to greasy buildup and the occasional stain, fabric headboards can be a sneaky source of stale smells and dinginess.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
In that regard, the newest addition to the Cleveland Browns quarterback room seems to be on the right path.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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In that regard, New York is a good fit, as Dart won’t be pressed into action right away.—
Charlotte Carroll,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Over 30 years, the Bahamas research group had documented 26 different marine mammal species, according to Executive Director Diane Claridge.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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Cheetah will document all oil received at the site.—
Phil Rockrohr,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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According to The Telegraph and The Sun, William and Starmer together paid respects at the Pope’s coffin in the center of the basilica before the funeral.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
28 Apr. 2025
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The Vatican has announced that St. Mary Major Basilica will remain open for public veneration of Francis' tomb for the next several weeks, allowing pilgrims to pay their respects.—
Mark Weinstein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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