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
Relevance
as in to source
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
Two sources told Fortune that Amazon’s human resources division—known internally as PXT or the People eXperience Technology team—will be hard hit, but that other areas of Amazon’s core consumer business are also likely to be affected.—
Jason Del Rey,
Fortune,
15 Oct. 2025
-
The results weren't perfect — for the third quarter in a row, Wells Fargo missed the consensus estimate for NII, a crucial revenue source for traditional banks.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
The Ford Heritage Collection is meant to document Ford's history, from its employees to key innovations, design breakthroughs, racing milestones and its role in popular culture.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
USA Today,
16 Oct. 2025
-
The film’s intimacy coordinator later wrote up a report documenting violations of union protocols.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Lensed in New York by renowned portrait photographer Platon, the campaign unfolds in bold black-and-white images and a series of short films hinging on the five themes of friendship, respect, connection, trust and warmth, completed by behind-the-scenes moments.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2025
-
The car is not the Camaro in most other respects, too, with the interior getting a bespoke redesign, the body panels changed, the bumpers changed, the front grille reworked, and the headlights and tail lights updated, too.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share