1
as in sources
a point or place at which something is invented or provided
he insists that insecurity is the root of all jealousy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in origins
the source from which something grows or develops
one would need to go back at least several hundred years to find the root of the entrenched hostility between the neighboring nations
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in foundations
an immaterial thing upon which something else rests
an implicit trust in the wisdom of the people is the root of democracy
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in essences
the central part or aspect of something under consideration
at root, it's a question of the proper limits, if any, of free speech
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in lodges
to set solidly in or as if in surrounding matter
rooted the post securely in the dirt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of roots
Arkansas Online, 11 Oct. 2025
That legacy hasn’t faded, but the region feels freshly alive these days as chefs, artists, and creative entrepreneurs put down roots.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Our reporting found that the roots of his views traced back decades and helped inform his broader political outlook.
—New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Recipes for pumpkin bread date back to the 1830s and experts trace its roots to early American settlers who adapted European spice breads and puddings using the gourd popular among Native American tribes.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Through perseverance, the seed discovers the power of her roots, triggering a revolution that transforms her world and fulfills her dreams in an unexpected way.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
The roots of this practice go back to a period in the 19th century, when people who could not afford train fares would jump on trains in order to bypass paying for travel.
—Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Raised on country-club cash, her Southern roots run through the deep pockets of old money.
—Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Oct. 2025
Used a mulch, leaves keep soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, protecting plant roots from extreme temperatures.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Feleti Penitala Teo, Time, 22 Sep. 2025
In a strong culture, everyone roots their daily decisions in a desire to be in it to win it; there's a sense of ownership, pride and belonging.
—Alex Brueckmann, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
As well, his longstanding appreciation of country music roots his art in respect and reverence of the genre's history.
—Marcus K. Dowling, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
Although his own roots are Baptist, the North Little Rock native is no stranger to the Methodist hymnal.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Oct. 2025
That legacy hasn’t faded, but the region feels freshly alive these days as chefs, artists, and creative entrepreneurs put down roots.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Our reporting found that the roots of his views traced back decades and helped inform his broader political outlook.
—New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Recipes for pumpkin bread date back to the 1830s and experts trace its roots to early American settlers who adapted European spice breads and puddings using the gourd popular among Native American tribes.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Through perseverance, the seed discovers the power of her roots, triggering a revolution that transforms her world and fulfills her dreams in an unexpected way.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
The roots of this practice go back to a period in the 19th century, when people who could not afford train fares would jump on trains in order to bypass paying for travel.
—Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Raised on country-club cash, her Southern roots run through the deep pockets of old money.
—Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Oct. 2025
Used a mulch, leaves keep soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, protecting plant roots from extreme temperatures.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
Rising seas could swallow the land that roots our identity.
—Feleti Penitala Teo, Time, 22 Sep. 2025
In a strong culture, everyone roots their daily decisions in a desire to be in it to win it; there's a sense of ownership, pride and belonging.
—Alex Brueckmann, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
As well, his longstanding appreciation of country music roots his art in respect and reverence of the genre's history.
—Marcus K. Dowling, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for roots
Noun
-
But The Information, citing anonymous sources, reported in March that the streaming service has lost over $1 billion annually.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
13 Oct. 2025
-
The potential for adverse health effects from consuming food contaminated with lead vary depending on the level of lead in the food; age of the consumer; length, amount, and frequency of exposure to lead in the food; and other exposures to different sources of lead and to beneficial nutrients.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The series will essentially explore the origins of Pennywise, using the book’s five interludes as a blueprint.—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Oct. 2025
-
According to Vogue, it's believed that Monroe was wearing a different ring during her courthouse wedding, but its origins and whereabouts are unknown.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Lon Cardon, who runs a biomedical-research institution called the Jackson Laboratory, noted that even the richest companies and foundations cannot replace federal science spending.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
13 Oct. 2025
-
The researchers concluded that early and targeted interventions—developed in collaboration among parents, schools and health professionals—could help curb excessive screen exposure and support stronger academic foundations.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The songs pack a wide range of elements into a single track, starting with rock, pop, soul, funk, dub, club music, and rap, plus various other essences, from singer-songwriter-like qualities to music originating from Japan’s internet like Vocaloid.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, the Enchanted glittered with edible pink shimmer dust, and bursting with fruity, botanical flavors – Grey Goose with watermelon basil essences, vermouth and basil.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Their moves come against the backdrop of a competitive primary fight for the Senate in 2026, as Paxton lodges a conservative challenge against the incumbent.—
Julia Mueller,
The Hill,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In the photos, Travis can be seen down on one knee as Swift cradles his face in the sweet moment.—
Natalia Senanayake,
PEOPLE,
3 Oct. 2025
-
However, looking deep into these swirling cradles of planet formation has always been tricky.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Our hearts are extra full this week 🥰 #DedicationNight featuring our stars’ special guests is TONIGHT - 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Gilda touched people's hearts through her voice, her compositions and the stories told by her fans, who attributed miracles to her.—
Karla Gachet,
NPR,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But in an interesting twist, the new third installment, The Ed Gein Story, embeds the idea of differing versions of the truth into the season’s narrative.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Anne Morrow Lindbergh embeds wisdom and meditations on age, love, peace, solitude and fulfillment within the relaxing, picturesque setting of the sea.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Roots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roots. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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