refer (to)

verb

Definition of refer (to)next
1
as in to specify
to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically try not to refer to the recent death of her aunt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to go (to)
to use or seek out as a source of aid, relief, or advantage she studied so she wouldn't have to refer to the book during the exam

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for refer (to)
  1. specify
  2. consult
  3. mention
  4. notice
  5. cite
  6. indicate
  7. note
  8. quote
Verb
  • Kansas law also specifies that your employer cannot count your usual lunch break toward these two hours.
    — Rashad Alexander August 2, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The affidavit stated there were two victims but redacted their identities and did not specify which attacks were committed on which child.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Definition of specify
Verb
  • Prevent bats from re-entering by sealing entry points, adding screens, or consulting a professional if needed.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Currently, some consumers get them online from a risky, unregulated gray market, without ever consulting a physician.
    — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Definition of consult
Verb
  • The paper described research on the feasibility of using gene-editing to correct the mutation the caused their daughter’s disorder but did not mention a human trial nor their daughter’s death.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Shaw also mentioned conversations about Texas’ new school voucher program, which includes providing pre-K families with public money to access private or homeschool options; however, the program doesn’t go into effect until the 2026-27 school year.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
Definition of mention
Verb
  • The company noticed the order, reached out, and built a formal marketing relationship from there.
    — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, a legal services nonprofit, has been noticing an uptick in ICE arrests at airports around the region.
    — Dennis Valera, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of notice
Verb
  • In statements, the groups’ leaders largely cited concerns that the tax wouldn’t address their most pressing funding concerns and would endanger California’s long-term fiscal health.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • State officials provided a version of the rolls but withheld sensitive personal information, citing privacy concerns.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026
Definition of cite
Verb
  • While the original version of the show was criticized for excess changes, members of the new creative team, in their statements, indicate more fealty to the original.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • The label should indicate whether the food is good for growth, for adult maintenance, or suitable for all ages.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 27 July 2026
Definition of indicate
Verb
  • However, at a June candidate forum, all seven candidates present noted that a data center wouldn’t be part of their plans for how to reuse the Truman Complex — to big applause from a Lee’s Summit audience.
    — Ilana Arougheti July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • Verma noted that these centered around policy or ideological disagreements, which allowed the government to rally its supporters with counter-narratives.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Definition of note
Verb
  • The influencer or their manager can then quote a real number instead of a padded one.
    — Chris Ryan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Each lender should be quoting rates on the same loan program.
    — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
Definition of quote
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

refers (to)
refer (to)
refigure
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Refer (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refer%20%28to%29. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of élan

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All