as in to apply
to have a relation or connection
I don't think that rule of play refers to this particular situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refer
The White House referred questions about the case to Trump’s outside counsel, Alejandro Brito.
—
Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026
The filing says the agency referred the two (unidentified) DOGE staffers to the Office of Special Counsel for possible violations of the Hatch Act, a 1939 law that bars civilian executive branch employees from engaging in certain political activities.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
The Clintons refused to testify in the committee's Jeffrey Epstein investigation and the full House could refer the matter to the Department of Justice for prosecution.
—Alexx Altman-Devilbiss, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2026
The case was referred for criminal prosecution.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer
Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026
The filing says the agency referred the two (unidentified) DOGE staffers to the Office of Special Counsel for possible violations of the Hatch Act, a 1939 law that bars civilian executive branch employees from engaging in certain political activities.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
The Clintons refused to testify in the committee's Jeffrey Epstein investigation and the full House could refer the matter to the Department of Justice for prosecution.
—Alexx Altman-Devilbiss, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2026
The case was referred for criminal prosecution.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refer
Verb
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Higgsfield tracks results, applies campaign payout formulas, and handles distribution and payment.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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With several weeks remaining in the winter season, some will have to apply for additional days.—
Terell Bailey,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Dykstra, 62, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of possessing narcotics and narcotic-related equipment but was not taken into custody, trooper Kody Nowicki told The Athletic.—
Matt Moret,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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With so many insects packed together in moist and dark places — and all closely related, sharing the same genetic vulnerabilities — infections and diseases can quickly pose an enormous threat to the well-being of an ant colony.—
Arundathi Nair,
NPR,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Involuntary Collections Halted For Defaulted Federal Student Loans The Education Department’s announcement last week pertains specifically to involuntary collections efforts against borrowers in default on their federal student loans.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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Those special circumstance allegations include one for committing multiple murders and another for the killing of a witness, which Doyle said pertained to Virgen.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refer. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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