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
Our references ranged from Elizabethan through to Georgian and Victorian, and from paintings and historical dress to contemporary fashion and representations of period costume in 20th-century films. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2026 In the weeks leading up to trial, Baker has sought to limit references to Gaza and the defendants’ political views. Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 10 Jan. 2026 The drawings, gestures, and references are designed to soften over time, allowing time to distort and rearrange what was seen. Okla Jones, Essence, 9 Jan. 2026 However, just over a month later, Musk made multiple Nazi references while discussing the gesture in an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026 The legislation also excludes references to determining eligibility for grants from the military family relief fund. Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 Stories about people or countries in conflict become abstract, buried under a pile of memes and recursive references that exist for little more than scroll-by entertainment. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026 Follow along with The Dallas Morning News for more references and inclusions of North Texas spots. Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026 Allusions and references to the Canon are all around us, and reading the Canon puts us in a better position to interpret and communicate with other people who have also done so. Big Think, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for references
Noun
  • Whenever using space heaters in a bathroom or kitchen, take all precautions to reduce the risk of electric shock whether that's positioning your heater away from water sources like sinks and showers.
    Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Plot details are under wraps, though sources tell us this is a cop film.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Trump promised transparency with regards to the Epstein investigation, but has alienated even loyal supporters with his actions on the matter.
    Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Fits in regards to role and skillset are questioned on every roster and trade ideas are drummed up for solutions to problems that may not even necessarily exist.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • To manage jet lag, the artist documents a pre-show routine that includes coffee, a gym session, swimming and a shower, while citing Ozzy Osbourne as a source of inspiration.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The film, directed by Rush Hour and Hercules director Brett Ratner, documents Melania’s 20 days before her husband’s second presidential inauguration.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Hundreds gathered around Business Block on the anniversary of the fire on Wednesday to witness a military-style white-glove ceremony to pay respects to the families who lost loved ones.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The comedy big guns come out to pay their respects to the groundbreaking genius whose comedy is still radical — Ben Stiller, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, Dave Chappelle, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman are just a few.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“References.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/references. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on references

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!