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
An evolution of fall’s modern prep trend, the spring 2026 runways swapped country codes for literary references, grounding the collections with intellectual flair. Minty Mellon, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2026 Both the data analysis and the character references were glowing. James Pearce, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026 The show also contains numerous Canadian references — cottage country, loons, McGill University — which would have not made sense outside of the Great White North. Max Gao, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026 Several references about Louisville, where the author briefly lived, are sprinkled throughout the classic tale. Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Feb. 2026 The cultural references are just current enough to feel fresh, with a minimum of internetty pandering. Judy Berman, Time, 3 Feb. 2026 The 17 other references remain online. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026 When asked whether the 23-year age difference comes up in everyday life, with cultural references or interests, Sam says the answer is, generally, no. Glamour, 1 Feb. 2026 The records have thousands of references to Trump, including emails in which Epstein and others shared news articles, commented on his policies, or gossiped about him and his family. Michael R. Sisak, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for references
Noun
  • Former cable news anchor Don Lemon was arrested Thursday night, his attorney and multiple sources with direct knowledge told CBS News on Friday.
    Lilia Luciano, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
  • According to multiple sources familiar with the deal, who asked not to be named to protect relationships, a small fee was ultimately paid to City to formally appoint Taylor in August, a month before the contract expired.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Homebuyers tend to be more sensitive than the law, which is still largely unsettled in regards to the topic.
    Franklin Schneider, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
  • No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Like Aleys, Alouette forms alliances with other women, Sylvine and Marguerite, the latter of whom carefully documents the guards’ abuses in a ledger.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Meghan's content documents her life as an American living in Dubai, as well as content with Ceili.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Tehran — On Thursday evenings, Tehran’s largest cemetery comes to life as people flock to pay their respects to lost loved ones.
    Frederik Pleitgen, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Gwinnett County Police Department The police department has placed Tamang's patrol vehicle outside its headquarters for the public to pay their respects and leave flowers.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“References.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/references. Accessed 5 Feb. 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!