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
Her long blond ends drew a stark contrast to her faded brown roots, which were parted down the middle and brushed up in the back. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025 The most important thing in all of this is really just keeping your roots and spending time with family and going home. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
Ever since the pop megastar appeared at a Kansas City Chiefs game in September 2023 to root on her new beau, tight end Travis Kelce, NFL viewership among young women has skyrocketed. Jennifer Halper, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025 The bulbs will have a hard time rooting once the ground freezes, so make sure there’s enough time for a strong root system to develop. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for root
Recent Examples of Synonyms for root
Noun
  • Jourdan is a relatively calm ghost (staff report objects being moved around the restaurant), but there’s a slightly more active spirit in the Courtyard Bar, where there have been three instances of an unknown source throwing a glass from across the room.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are both good sources of dietary fiber, protein, magnesium, and other essential nutrients.
    Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After verifying the origins of the different packages, the exhibition manager agreed with the transportation company that the delivery would be signed for, ahead of the unpackaging of the pieces the following Monday.
    Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
  • There was no invoice showing the origin of the 10 sweet merengues at the front counter.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Hoping to attract steam engines and gunpowder manufacturers, Delaware’s leaders could scarcely have imagined that, a century later, the ‘Delaware Inc’ model would serve as the foundation for smartphones, search engines and electric cars.
    Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The work even involved tunneling out a basement below the medieval foundations for HVAC and storage, with monitors on every wall to detect shifts in the stones during excavations.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Toss the crispy gnocchi with lots of sweet, fresh corn kernels, prepared pesto and a hefty sprinkle of grated cheese, and broil until the cheese gets bubbly, gooey and slightly charred in spots.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
  • But critics say the memo builds on kernels of truth before veering into unscientific fringe theories.
    Stephanie Armour, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In industries like customer service or supply chain management, this could mean embedding AI into existing platforms to streamline workflows, augment human decision-making, or improve forecasting accuracy.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Critics point out that decades-old, secretive clique structures remain deeply embedded in the department.
    Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • The town is also the cradle of the popular Mexican Tecate beer and boasts remarkable natural landscapes.
    Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Teasing the new season at the beginning of the first episode, which dropped on Thursday, the entrepreneur and reality star is seen going into an MRI scanner with her head appearing to be bandaged.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The embezzlement accusations would turn out to be just the beginning of Ozer’s troubles.
    Steve Belanger, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Corps officials will evaluate each request on a case by case basis.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Each of the American automakers is expected to report double-digit declines in adjusted earnings per share but remain profitable on an adjusted basis, according to analyst estimates compiled by LSEG.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Root.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/root. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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