references 1 of 2

Definition of referencesnext
plural of reference
1
as in sources
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
2
as in regards
relation to or concern with something specified this reply is in reference to your last question

Synonyms & Similar Words

references

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of reference

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 references
Noun
Respondents’ references to prices and inflation were little changed but remain elevated. Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026 Combined with the more enduring boho references that continue to dominate social feeds–like Jane Birkin’s free-spirited ’60s and ’70s style and Sienna Miller’s fondness for frills in the Noughties–the boho blueprint for 2026 is looking pretty eclectic. Alice Cary, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026 But actually, a lot of the references are from various conspiracy dramas, including All the President’s Men. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 23 Feb. 2026 There are also several references to stopping by Taco Bell for some grub. Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026 The agency has also seen its website altered without input from its career scientists to cast doubt on the safety of vaccines and to remove references to transgender identity and transgender health concerns. Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026 In the nine years of filings, the company changed its mission statement six times, finally removing all references to safety in the 2025 form. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2026 According to Baneham, scenes like this are where investing in practical references really pays off. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026 From there, translate those qualities in a subtle way, through texture, tone, and material rather than literal references. Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for references
Noun
  • Interim executive director David White, former NFLPA president and eventual chief strategy officer JC Tretter and American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti are on the list, two sources briefed on the matter confirmed to The Athletic.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
  • According to two sources, the US military is preparing for operations that could continue for several days.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The restrictions of a new policy, as outlined in Senate Bill 11, require parents to submit a consent form waiving their right to take legal action against the district in regards to the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prevents the government from establishing a religion.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2026
  • All of our medical professionals are juggling a lot, both in regards to patients and emotions, and surprise, surprise, things are about to get much more chaotic.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In the Mojave, Weston saw Joshua trees as majestic extraterrestrials; Connell documents a nameless stump decorated with sneakers.
    Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
  • D4vd was on tour at the time the car was impounded, the court documents state.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But in many respects, the president hasn’t been extending olive branches.
    Michelle L. Price, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
  • But in many respects, the president hasn't been extending olive branches.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“References.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/references. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

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