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
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
The adaption would be called Star 80, a reference to the vanity plate on the Mercedes Snider bought Dorothy with her money.
—Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
Yet, Comey nevertheless directed Richman to reference it in conversations with the press to defend his public announcement about the closing of the Clinton inquiry.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
Nanosecond precision To prevent future chaos on the Moon, the International Astronomical Union adopted a 2024 resolution calling for a unified lunar time reference system.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
The adaption would be called Star 80, a reference to the vanity plate on the Mercedes Snider bought Dorothy with her money.
—Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
Atwood’s designs reference those previous iterations.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
Yet, Comey nevertheless directed Richman to reference it in conversations with the press to defend his public announcement about the closing of the Clinton inquiry.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
-
Hoyer plans to formally announce his retirement in a speech on the House floor Thursday morning, the source said.—
Nikole Killion,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The source claims the couple don't spend much time together otherwise, beyond their joint public appearances.—
Linda Marx,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In that regard, Sunday night’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center, featured a pair of teams prioritizing the role of role players — one that has it right, one trying to get it right.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2026
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The team isn't completely in the dark with regards to this, though.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Dionne Thunder says the group is operating 24/7, with the goal of documenting federal agent activity on their blocks.—
Frankie McLister,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
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By documenting every interim state of the memorial’s repair, Arroyo allows the rupture to linger rather than be resolved by restoration alone.—
Alexandra Martinez,
Artforum,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Neena says her respect for older generations began early.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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European leaders coordinated joint responses, insisting any deal respect Kyiv’s red lines, while the administration stressed pragmatic compromises to secure lasting peace.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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