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
Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2025
Though this track is her first to directly reference the Oscar-winner, Swift has previously paid homage to Taylor.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
One of [Gachot co-founder] John’s favorite references is the Janus Collection sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar… it’s tried and true, and remains a constant inspiration.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
A lot of dresses directly reference Cristóbal Balenciaga’s couture heritage, in a simplified version, more accessible and less extreme.
—Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2025
Though this track is her first to directly reference the Oscar-winner, Swift has previously paid homage to Taylor.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
Longchamp’s spring 2026 collection, which will hit stores in November, doubled as a holiday capsule of sorts, featuring winter white looks and ice-skating references.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
One of [Gachot co-founder] John’s favorite references is the Janus Collection sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar… it’s tried and true, and remains a constant inspiration.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
-
Some workers, whose programs have alternative funding sources, continue to be paid on time.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
8 Oct. 2025
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Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In that regard, she is bested only by the Beatles, who had 19 LPs reach the ranking’s summit.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
13 Oct. 2025
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The Eagles fell flat in that regard with their 34-17 loss to the New York Giants on Thursday night, leaving six teams remaining with only one loss.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As documented in The San Diego Union-Tribune’s 72 Hours Project, the region’s mental health care system, like many in the nation, has been operating over capacity for years.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Oct. 2025
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An accomplished drummer and guitarist, Becker has dedicated his adult life to issues of international human rights and social justice, documenting war crimes in Lebanon, genocide in Rwanda, and the torture of the indigenous people of India.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The world is in an incredibly dire state in many respects, and people are reacting to that.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
8 Oct. 2025
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Leading with Humility and Representation for Aspiring Athletes Nicole highlights that Montgomery transitioned from a championed player to a C-suite executive—a quest that earned her respect from her peers.—
Essence,
Essence,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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