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
Under the settlement, Buckfire agreed to remove all references to race as eligibility or selection criteria and clarify that its scholarships do not give preference to any student based on race or ethnicity. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 3 Mar. 2026 The Illinois governor's name appears about two dozen times in the Epstein files — all references to news stories with Pritzker in the headline. CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026 Goal of a change of government fades Yet, mere days into the war, White House officials have all but ceased references to a democratic spring that could sweep Iran’s government aside. Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026 On the other hand, high-energy eclectic wardrobes were seen at Prada and Marni, with more expressive styling mixing vintage and contemporary references. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026 ContextIA is capable of answering specific queries with direct quotes and page references; extracting particular data such as phone numbers, license plates and coordinates; and, as its name suggests, cross-referencing cases in the context of different databases. Karen Esquivel, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026 Unlike similar shows that tackle worlds of money and power, such as Billions and Succession, Industry has made music its surprising heartbeat, using cultural references to emphasize overarching themes of greed, corruption, and relentless ambition. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2026 Now, the game is hitting another high in fandom thanks to pop culture references and the pandemic. Charlotte Observer, 1 Mar. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for references
Noun
  • Noem and her chief adviser Corey Lewandowski -- who is reportedly also departing DHS -- both had a knack for lashing out, yelling and berating staff that crossed them, according to sources.
    Luke Barr, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Currently, most data centers draw from the public grid rather than securing their own energy sources – a fact that many associate with sky-high electricity prices.
    Eric Schmidt, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Also at the meeting, during which several residents spoke critically of the data centers proposed for Yorkville, Olson addressed some of the questions that have been arising with regards to the city’s data center plans.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
  • But these days, the reference is commonly negative, at least with regards to food prices, medical bills, guns, drugs, and urban safety.
    Lavender Au, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Destiny Littleton, former USC women’s basketball player now playing in Jerusalem, documents Iranian air strikes through social media videos capturing missiles and explosions overhead.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The quality of that notebook, combined with their teamwork and growth throughout the season, earned them the Think Award, which is presented to the team that most effectively documents their journey through the engineering design process, the news release stated.
    Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In many respects, the war with Iran poses greater risks to the oil market than Russia’s war with Ukraine when that conflict began in 2022.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Hundreds lined up in Chicago to pay their last respects to the civil rights leader.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“References.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/references. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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