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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Recent Examples of reference
Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2025
Several of Roan’s lyrics reference her Midwestern roots.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2025
The song is filled with clever references, each serving as an Easter egg for fans who know their Hollywood history.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
The star seemed to reference his past comments in a post on X following the Super Bowl LX announcement.
—Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2025
Several of Roan’s lyrics reference her Midwestern roots.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
In the Spotify experience, there are two photos of Swift during the final leg in Vancouver and several references to the Eras tour stage — written in order, the track list is even in the shape of the stage.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2025
The song is filled with clever references, each serving as an Easter egg for fans who know their Hollywood history.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 4 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
-
Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The schedule is up-and-down in that regard, and that’s what Herbert’s play could easily be.—
Jake Ciely,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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In regards to Smashing Machine‘s misfire, some are elbowing A24 and its means of marketing.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
6 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
-
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 12 Oct. 2025.
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