1
as in source
something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information
the author's argument is interesting, but the lack of references makes me wonder if it can be proven
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in to source
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reference
Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
During his speech, Legend also referenced the current political climate, criticizing the Trump administration for its immigration policies.
—Alex Cramer, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
Mohammad Hosseini, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
If a job applicant gives a reference, don’t call the phone number or message the email address you’ve been given.
—Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
South Park's season 27 premiere referenced the settlement of the lawsuit and the Late Show cancellation.
—Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
During his speech, Legend also referenced the current political climate, criticizing the Trump administration for its immigration policies.
—Alex Cramer, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
Verb
The implications of this policy include that Google search, now enabled by AI, might censor references to these topics.
—Mohammad Hosseini, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
If a job applicant gives a reference, don’t call the phone number or message the email address you’ve been given.
—Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
-
This shift reframes resilience as a source of growth and stability.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Indeed, the former official said, Israel had largely given up trying to cultivate human sources inside Hamas and Hezbollah.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
Noun
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The outlook on Bad Guys 2 in regards to tracking was $20M. Production cost on Bad Guys 2 is $80M net, $10M higher than the first movie, which repped a rebound for the Covid box office, that pic ultimately minting $97.4M domestic and $252.4M worldwide.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
1 Aug. 2025
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But in regards to getting a strong return in trading Luis Robert Jr., Chris Getz is adding a fourth verb to the bromide.—
Phil Rogers,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But the family has brought delight to viewers across the area, as local photographers have documented the growth of both the gosling and the colt.—
Laura Schulte,
jsonline.com,
31 July 2025
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In such cases, involve HR or senior management, but only after documenting specific incidents and making sincere efforts to address the issue informally.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Noun
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Later, a different man approached him and made another request: it would be appreciated if, after the funeral, van Wessel paid his respects to the family.—
Joshua Yaffa,
New Yorker,
2 Aug. 2025
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International sports competitions are often saluted for promoting respect across all boundaries.—
Scott Simon,
NPR,
2 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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