root 1 of 2

1
2
as in origin
the source from which something grows or develops one would need to go back at least several hundred years to find the root of the entrenched hostility between the neighboring nations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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root

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word root distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of root are inception, origin, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When would inception be a good substitute for root?

While the synonyms inception and root are close in meaning, inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When is it sensible to use origin instead of root?

The synonyms origin and root are sometimes interchangeable, but origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

Where would source be a reasonable alternative to root?

In some situations, the words source and root are roughly equivalent. However, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile
the source of recurrent trouble

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 root
Noun
However, bloating can have many root causes. Merve Ceylan, Health, 7 Nov. 2025 The film's roots date back to 2019, when producer Graham King, an architect of the Oscar-winning Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, announced his intentions to bring Jackson's story to the big screen. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
Amenabar seems to root his screenplay on conjectures about the writer’s sexuality, which many scholars consider latterday projection. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025 Excited for the game tonight, supporting and rooting the guys on. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for root
Recent Examples of Synonyms for root
Noun
  • But for much of the past two centuries, Port Renfrew’s main source of employment was not promoting trees but rather chopping them down—particularly, giant, old-growth trees that fetched the highest value.
    Brad Badelt, Outside, 11 Nov. 2025
  • One of the things that particularly irked fans was a report after the trade that slammed Dončić’s conditioning, with ESPN citing sources inside the franchise revealing frustration with his diet.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • What’s more, the Fila Museum’s exhibition features a time tunnel that aims to immerse visitors in the brand’s history, retracing its path from origin to the latest developments in sportswear and fashion through iconic garments and multimedia content.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Each box of pods follows the same format as their whole bean deliveries, single origin from a range of different coffee-producing countries and ready to drop right into a Keurig machine.
    Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The discovery revealed how genetic information is stored and replicated and created the foundation for modern genetic engineering, disease treatment with genes and DNA identification techniques, according to The Associated Press.
    Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Items like mascara and eyeliner have shorter lifespans due to their potential for bacteria, while blush, foundation, and concealer might be okay for more prolonged use.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The victories are seen by many analysts and political figures as a signal that Democrats have regained momentum after losses in the 2024 election cycle—while some Republican voices warn of growing disconnection from core voters.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The conflict could also arise over other core values, such as how to raise kids or what activities to prioritize in the relationship.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Sectarianism also remains embedded in the political system, if not in the voter base, while a coterie of Shia armed groups retain extralegal power.
    Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Why can't people condemn putting tunnels under hospitals and embedding themselves in where civilians are?
    Scott Detrow, NPR, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Since the program’s launch in 2022, more than 1 million newborns have been enrolled, representing an $89 million public investment in California’s commitment to cradle-to-career success.
    Fiona Ma, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The same technology’s feasibility should also be assessed under different climate zones, and full life cycle assessments (cradle-to-grave) of GS are a necessity for a better understanding of the technology’s merits and limits, researchers noted.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • From its beginning, the leaders of the rebellion well understood the global reach and resonance of their great struggle.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • But that was the beginning of everything for both of us.
    Karen Taylor Bass, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • With the 240v power most EV owners use on a daily basis at home or work, 0%-100% takes about 11 hours.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Developed with technical support from Quantis, the questionnaire is available to all fashion brands on an optional and non-exclusive basis.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Root.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/root. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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