Synonyms of refer

refer 1 of 2

verb (1)

ri-ˈfər 

as in to apply

to have a relation or connection

I don't think that rule of play refers to this particular situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• apply
• relate
• pertain
• affect
• involve
• appertain
• have to do with
• connect
• bear
• concern
• touch
• link
• associate
• interest
• treat
• couple
• deal (with)
• interrelate
• tie in

refer (to)

2 of 2

verb (2)

1

as in to specify

to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically

try not to refer to the recent death of her aunt

Synonyms & Similar Words

• specify
• mention
• notice
• cite
• indicate
• note
• quote
• touch (on or upon)
• advert (to)
• instance
• name
• suggest
• introduce
• explain
• allude (to)
• imply
• point (out)
• announce
• intend
• infer
• clarify
• drop
• publish
• hint (at)
• pronounce
• signal
• spell out
• designate
• signify
• bring up
• declare
• advertise
• proclaim
• intimate
• clear (up)
• worm
• broadcast
• sound
• publicize
• interject
• denominate
• elucidate
• interpolate
• infiltrate
• interpose
• insinuate
• broach
• explicate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• forget
• ignore
• pass over
• slight
• disregard
• neglect
• overlook
• overpass

2

as in to go (to)

to use or seek out as a source of aid, relief, or advantage

she studied so she wouldn't have to refer to the book during the exam

Synonyms & Similar Words

• go (to)
• consult
• turn (to)
• resort (to)
• use
• fall back on
• utilize
• depend (on)
• rely (on)
• employ

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of refer

Verb

When reached for comment, the NHC referred Newsweek to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) 2025 Eastern Pacific hurricane season outlook. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025

According to Fox News, Honolulu police referred questions about the investigation to the FBI in Honolulu. —Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 22 May 2025

Her presence at the festival was reported to the Westminster Police Department, which referred the case to the district attorney’s office for investigation. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025

Honolulu police referred questions about the investigation to the FBI. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025

Phrases Containing refer

• refer (to)