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
The references in the music are wildly specific. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026 That dynamic pops up in much of Paul’s dialogue, which has a Saturday Night Live habit of mistaking pop-culture references in the shape of jokes for actual humor. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026 Inevitably, there are surprises, premature grades, draft-day parties, Mel Kiper hair jokes and lots of references to Kevin Costner. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026 The episodic subplots hopscotch between pop culture references, urban odysseys and, of course, animal puns. Alison Herman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026 The fashion was as eclectic as the entertainment as many attendees pulling style references from the 2000s and 2010s. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026 Part of the possibly-liberal register of his rhetoric is Karp’s frequent invocation of art (and his references to his liberal upbringing, including his artist mother). Simon Denny, Artforum, 20 Apr. 2026 Over the years, plenty of theories have ranged from police codes to hidden references in classic songs. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026 Twenty new references, each one reinforcing the idea that evolution is the house style. Stephen Watson, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for references
Noun
  • On average, the study participants consumed about 41% of their daily food from ultraprocessed sources.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The fees help preserve the city’s general fund budget without having to cover the full cost of its maintenance from other sources.
    Henry Foster Iii, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In regards to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre feature rights won by A24, Obsession director Curry Barker is set to direct and write a reimagined version.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026
  • On Sunday, the Village of Skokie posted a statement to their website in regards to the two youth altercations, stating that officials were made aware of the two separate incidents by Skokie Police and the Skokie Park District.
    Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Now, Benard documents his weight loss journey for his thousands of followers on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
  • The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, part of the three-museum North Carolina Maritime Museum System, documents dozens of those shipwrecks.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Warsh said the Fed had become too transparent in some respects.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Multiple Hollywood figures turned out to pay their respects.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“References.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/references. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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