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
William Arruda, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Of the 63 entries, only seven mention killing, one of those in reference to the Comey seashells.
—Phillip M. Carter, The Conversation, 28 May 2026
Louis Bury, ARTnews.com, 1 May 2026
Conservatives continue to repeat the line, years later, which is why Barnett was able to reference it as shorthand.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
To get people to see the longer-term value of your content, subtly frame posts as useful and reference-worthy.
—William Arruda, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Of the 63 entries, only seven mention killing, one of those in reference to the Comey seashells.
—Phillip M. Carter, The Conversation, 28 May 2026
Verb
The two chapters on machine realism, for instance, reference his and Kate Crawford’s viral 2019 project ImageNet Roulette, which invited users to upload images of themselves that ImageNet would then label.
—Louis Bury, ARTnews.com, 1 May 2026
Conservatives continue to repeat the line, years later, which is why Barnett was able to reference it as shorthand.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
-
Hours into free agency opening March 9, Singleton remained unsigned — and had a skeleton deal lined up with another NFL team in free agency if negotiations with the Broncos fell through, according to a source familiar with the process.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
-
Residents are also encouraged to keep pets confined to their property and remove outdoor food sources that may attract wildlife.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Jukebox musicals are notorious for shoe-horning in beloved songs without regard for storytelling integrity.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
The past two years have been a bit of a roller coaster particularly with regard to the new administration and more broadly the current state of the world.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Texas Monthly and other publications have long employed dedicated barbecue writers who document pitmasters, smokehouses and regional traditions with the same seriousness often given to fine dining.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
-
On the heels of Operation Metro Surge, the massive immigration enforcement that uprooted everyday life for many people in the Twin Cities, local community members are being honored for their bravery in documenting the events.—
Mars King,
Twin Cities,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Empathy, care, respect, and inclusion have to become part of leadership evaluation and everyday expectations.—
Teresa Hopke,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
-
The Oak Cliff community is continuing to pay respects to the victims who died in an apartment explosion last week.—
Briseida Holguin,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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