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
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
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
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Recent Examples of refer
Sarah Harvey, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
Swiss Federal Supreme Court referred her case back to CAS, with new audio-visual evidence that could prove the inquiry was filed within the required timeframe.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Two years later, Isla’s general practitioner became concerned that Isla had breast cancer, and referred her for urgent care at a breast clinic, where her case was downgraded.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
The council ultimately agreed to refer the matter to the Budget and Finance Committee and to the Housing and Homelessness Committee for further discussion.
—Tom Bray, Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer
Verb
Writing down my successes gives me something to refer back to and encourages me to want to make further changes.
—Sarah Harvey, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
Swiss Federal Supreme Court referred her case back to CAS, with new audio-visual evidence that could prove the inquiry was filed within the required timeframe.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Two years later, Isla’s general practitioner became concerned that Isla had breast cancer, and referred her for urgent care at a breast clinic, where her case was downgraded.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
The council ultimately agreed to refer the matter to the Budget and Finance Committee and to the Housing and Homelessness Committee for further discussion.
—Tom Bray, Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer
Cite this Entry
“Refer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refer. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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