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

The federal law at the center of this case actually refers back to state law, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 13 June 2025

San Rafael Board of Education president Carolina Martin referred media inquiries to Ghysels. —Cameron MacDonald, Mercury News, 12 June 2025

The law office, contacted about the lawsuit, referred The Courant to the statement. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2025

The drawing referred not just to imagery of the Madonna and her infant but also to Michelangelo’s Pietà, with its grown male body lying dead across his mother’s lap. —Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 June 2025

Phrases Containing refer

• refer (to)