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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refer
Assignments require the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in scheduling, assigning, and coordinating work with that of other units, referring only unusual or highly-complex problems.
—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
january 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The Human Rights Office within the Mexican immigration agency referred the Herald to its communications department.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
The lawsuit is pending and a judge has referred it to mediation.
—Lucas Waldron, ProPublica, 6 Jan. 2026
Lake County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Pam Jones referred questions to Martinez’s lawyer John Kopack, who didn’t immediately respond for comment.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
january 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The Human Rights Office within the Mexican immigration agency referred the Herald to its communications department.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
The lawsuit is pending and a judge has referred it to mediation.
—Lucas Waldron, ProPublica, 6 Jan. 2026
Lake County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Pam Jones referred questions to Martinez’s lawyer John Kopack, who didn’t immediately respond for comment.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refer
Verb
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Social media platforms can verify age by either requesting copies of identification documents, using a third party to apply age estimation technology to an account holder’s face, or making inferences from data already available, such as how long an account has been active.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
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The same doesn't apply to any amphibians who might want to join her in the night, however.—
Phil Boucher,
PEOPLE,
16 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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These could pertain to earnings and cash flow.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
11 Jan. 2026
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In colder months, these often pertain to keeping the house warm.—
Shagun Khare,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refer. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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