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
Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
Users who sign up and refer friends can climb the waitlist, Magic Eden said in a statement to CNBC.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 3 June 2025
The Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review, which oversees immigration courts, referred questions to the Department of Homeland Security.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 30 May 2025
No one from the CDC was in the video, and CDC officials referred questions about the announcement to Kennedy and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
—Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for refer
Verb
But in states with bare-bones offerings, workers typically refer callers to peer-support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, or to online resources on budgeting, says Cole Wogoman, a director at the National Council on Problem Gambling, which runs the helpline.
—Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
Users who sign up and refer friends can climb the waitlist, Magic Eden said in a statement to CNBC.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 3 June 2025
The Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review, which oversees immigration courts, referred questions to the Department of Homeland Security.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 30 May 2025
No one from the CDC was in the video, and CDC officials referred questions about the announcement to Kennedy and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
—Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for refer
Cite this Entry
“Refer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refer. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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