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
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as in to source
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reference
Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Aug. 2025
Modern-day pop stars have long referenced the image of the showgirl.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Dave Smith, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2025
Luckily, the league also released a graphic, which is much more legible, though die-hards may want to print it out and laminate it for quick reference.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
The Zillow Home Value Index was referenced to source each suburb’s average single-family home value in 2025.
—Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Aug. 2025
Modern-day pop stars have long referenced the image of the showgirl.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
Codename references also point to next‑year models already in planning.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2025
Luckily, the league also released a graphic, which is much more legible, though die-hards may want to print it out and laminate it for quick reference.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
-
The mission: save earth’s most precious energy source, butterflies, from an evil AI bot.—
Bryan West,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
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Spirit Halloween serves as a source for Halloween costumes, as well as indoor and outdoor home decorations – a pursuit more Americans have been swept up in.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
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An examination of policing data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics by the Prison Policy Initiative shows Black people continue to experience racial disparities still with regard to arrests and use of force.—
Raisa Habersham,
Miami Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
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With regard to commercial spaceflight, the White House ordered the Transportation Department to create a list of activities officials there believe are not subject to NEPA, and establish exclusions under NEPA for launch and reentry licenses.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The incident was documented in a video posted on the Mary Wallopers’ Instagram.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
23 Aug. 2025
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The rainbow snake was officially last documented in 2020, FWC spokesperson Jonathan Veach told USA TODAY on Aug. 18.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Their integration into the local community—learning Spanish, hiring locally, supporting artisans—has earned them deep respect.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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Know that he’s being taken care of and, for now, respect that he’s made the decision to keep his whereabouts private.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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