referring 1 of 2

Definition of referringnext

referring

2 of 2

verb

present participle of refer

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 referring
Verb
Some at Facebook thought referring the ban to the board was too risky. Bobby Ghosh, Time, 18 Jan. 2026 Trump wrote, referring disparagingly to its defense capabilities under Denmark. Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 14 Jan. 2026 The federal government’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is referring questions to Verizon. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2026 In those situations, the Criminal Division Chief may consult with LEAD officials, prosecutors and the referring officer before making a final decision. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026 Assignments require the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in scheduling, assigning, and coordinating work with that of other units, referring only unusual or highly-complex problems. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado january 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026 Johnson attributed the increase in the charging rate for domestic assaults to a focused effort by her office on referring cases for charges to be filed. Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 31 Dec. 2025 Wheatley declined to comment, referring this news organization to a district spokesperson, who could not be reached for comment. Grace Hase, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025 But the discovery of the Chemmani mass graves has strengthened calls from Tamils for international justice, including referring Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 30 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referring
Verb
  • Feeling withdrawn from relating?
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Reps for both Harry and the King said that the pair met for tea at Clarence House, relating afterwards that no other details would be shared.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Past performance is not indicative of future results.
    Heather L. Locus, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • And the real differentiation doesn’t always come from whether the grifter fails or succeeds in their mission; the nature of the grifter’s success or failure can be just as indicative.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • People at work have made rude comments pertaining to my hearing.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • In one of his first acts as mayor, Zohran Mamdani on Thursday revoked nine executive orders his predecessor, Eric Adams, issued after his federal corruption indictment, a move that undid actions pertaining to everything from antisemitism and immigration to New York City’s horse carriage industry.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • David Bowie, charming in interviews, and leaning toward the abstract and allusive in his lyrics, was not given to weighing in on news events.
    Alexander Larman, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
  • In the second Trump era, these viewers seem to prefer a more allusive approach, processing the times through movies about other countries’ authoritarian governments.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • McLaughlin said Life Biosciences is already applying its epigenetic reprogramming to help treat other conditions.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Researchers first synthesized the molecule by applying an electric discharge to a substance called thiophenol — a foul-smelling liquid containing sulfur, carbon and hydrogen.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Skin that looks pale or feels waxy is a telltale sign of the early stages of frostbite, Croteau said.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Symptoms start with a high fever, cough and runny nose before progressing to red, watery eyes, white spots inside the mouth and a telltale splotchy rash.
    Aria Bendix, NBC news, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The idea of making the Super Bowl also made Dobbs feel reflective.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Zar described the reopening as both joyful and reflective, acknowledging the emotional weight carried by families who lived through evacuation, loss, and uncertainty.
    Michelle Edgar, Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Referring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referring. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on referring

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!