1
as in source
a point or place at which something is invented or provided
he insists that insecurity is the root of all jealousy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
3
as in foundation
an immaterial thing upon which something else rests
an implicit trust in the wisdom of the people is the root of democracy
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in kernel
the central part or aspect of something under consideration
at root, it's a question of the proper limits, if any, of free speech
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to embed
to set solidly in or as if in surrounding matter
rooted the post securely in the dirt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
In February, President Donald Trump established the Make America Healthy Again Commission, which is charged with addressing the root causes of America’s escalating health crisis, with an initial focus on childhood chronic disease.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Autism is a complex, multifactorial condition, rooted largely in genetics.
—Alice Kuo and Emily Hotez, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for root
Noun
Trump reiterated his longstanding view that Ukraine's interest in joining NATO was the root cause of the war.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
In February, President Donald Trump established the Make America Healthy Again Commission, which is charged with addressing the root causes of America’s escalating health crisis, with an initial focus on childhood chronic disease.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
Like the conflict in the Middle East today, it was rooted less in clashing interests than in vast and irreconcilable mutual fears.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Autism is a complex, multifactorial condition, rooted largely in genetics.
—Alice Kuo and Emily Hotez, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for root
Recent Examples of Synonyms for root
Noun
-
Tesla's lower-cost Model Y: US launch pushed back as sources reveal production challengesNeed a break?—
Mike Scarcella,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
-
The Daily Mail quoted a source who said that Hurley, 59, and Cyrus, 63, met on the set and bonded.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Columbus was a stand-in for the nation’s hagiographic origin story, much like the Mayflower or its Western pioneers.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Typically, the first film in a Marvel franchise establishes the protagonist’s origins, and the sequels present that character with challenges from increasingly formidable opponents.—
Jelani Cobb,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
For many of us, these quiet, intimate moments formed the foundation of our lifelong relationship with beauty.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2025
-
This initiative would later become the foundation for my work in corporate social responsibility and higher education.—
Jay Garcia,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Go whole hog on whole grains Hearty and versatile, whole grains — such as barley, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, corn, millet, oats, quinoa, rye and whole wheat — contain the entire grain kernel, including the bran, germ and endosperm.—
Andrea Kane,
CNN Money,
15 Apr. 2025
-
As with most of his career as a conspiracist, RFK is tying together little kernels of truth into a false narrative and then framing it as just asking common-sense.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
That rapid transformation is embedded in one business philosophy of Hart’s: flexibility.—
Xandra Harbet,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
As generative AI becomes embedded in critical systems—from patient diagnostics to financial forecasting to air traffic control—the attack surface is expanding faster than most organizations can secure it.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Lina Zeldovich November 6, 2018 The cradle of civilization may not support our civilization anymore.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Soon, a humble little rock cradle appears, painstakingly assembled and fiercely defended.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
There were language gaps, especially at the beginning.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 Apr. 2025
-
What To Know James appeared on the Special Report with Areva Martin podcast on Tuesday, and was asked at the beginning of the interview about the DOJ reviewing the fraud allegations against her.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Pick up a regular post of substance where people can come to learn from you, trust you and be influenced by you on a consistent basis.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
But after searching for the better part of five years, Reddy has hired a new doctor on a half-time basis, and another is coming on board this June.—
Bernard J. Wolfson and Vanessa G. Sánchez,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Root.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/root. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share