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
Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2026
Begin to contact a few former supervisors, professors, or mentors who can serve as a reference and speak to your work ethic and talents.
—Micki Meyer, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Justin Wingerter, Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2026
The four-month residency—M by the Alinea Group—is in the resort’s main town, Mountain Village, and is designed to fit into the low-key landscape, yet sizzle with urbane details that reference the Mountain West.
—Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
Many of the references to publications buried in the files are merely marketing material or articles forwarded to Epstein.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2026
Begin to contact a few former supervisors, professors, or mentors who can serve as a reference and speak to your work ethic and talents.
—Micki Meyer, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
When a witness began to reference them Monday, that witness was prevented from doing so.
—Justin Wingerter, Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2026
The four-month residency—M by the Alinea Group—is in the resort’s main town, Mountain Village, and is designed to fit into the low-key landscape, yet sizzle with urbane details that reference the Mountain West.
—Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
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The Dallas Cowboys are planning to place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, a league source confirmed to The Athletic.—
Jon Machota,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
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Wright cited statistics showing that natural gas -- long the nation's leading source of electricity -- provided 43% of electric power at peak generation during the storm, followed by coal at 24% and nuclear at 15%.—
MATTHEW DALY,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Among options in that regard would be backfilling by March 4 at current Heat two-way spot or spots if one or two of the three aforementioned two-way players are converted to a standard deal, or signing such a developmental prospect to a standard deal.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
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A lot of things have happened with regard to that horrible situation the last couple of hours.—
Kathy Tulumello,
AZCentral.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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On his Instagram account, the stylist has not only been documenting his work with Robbie, but including quotes from the book to illustrate his thinking.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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In the meantime, the North American Termite Survey offers plenty of tips for identifying, managing, and documenting the invasive insects.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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His natural leadership has earned him the deep respect of his peers, who elected him Senior Class President for the current school year.—
Darla Rivera,
Oklahoman,
9 Feb. 2026
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Norwegians’ respect for their royal family has been dented by new details about Epstein’s friendship with Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is married to the heir to the throne, Prince Haakon.—
Jill Lawless,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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