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
The tour dives into Puerto Rico's Afro-Caribbean and rural roots, using music to highlight the island's racial and cultural diversity. Cat Sposato, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025 All of which is to say that Stengel was such a sensation in New York, so long after growing up here, that his roots seemed to become less and less relevant there and more and more distant here. Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
The version of you that steps forward now feels more self-possessed, radiant, and rooted. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 21 Sep. 2025 The wildly successful, influential industries rooted on opposite ends of California have long eyed each other warily. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for root
Recent Examples of Synonyms for root
Noun
  • What's Next Chinese research ship operations in neighboring maritime zones are likely to remain a source of controversy as the country continues to strengthen its posture in the region.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • A lot of the information being funneled to him and his peers from news sources wasn't clear.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The rates are based on shipping zones, which are organized from one to nine, with one being the closest and nine being the furthest from the shipping origin.
    Michelle Del Rey, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The origins of coffee can be traced to Ethiopia, as far back as the 9th century.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The $470 million figure emerged during city council deliberations and was later confirmed by the foundation in its 2020 annual report.
    Christine Valora, The Washington Examiner, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The result is companies built on sturdier foundations, less vulnerable to the ups and downs of funding markets.
    Aman Ghei, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Elote This playful pastry is shaped like an ear of corn, complete with ridges that look like kernels.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • There are kernels of truth in all this.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The next story is actually embedded in Pictures of Ghosts.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
  • She is respected throughout the league and deeply embedded in the players’ CBA negotiations.
    John Shipley, Twin Cities, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The university known as the cradle of astronauts will soon send a few more folks to the final frontier.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Finally, one of the tall cranes lifted the boat out of the water, high into the air, and carefully swung it over and down onto the team’s boat cradle, on shore.
    Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There are few better ways to commemorate the beginning of autumn than by curling up on the couch to enjoy a movie night or start your annual Gilmore Girls rewatch.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • If Orlando pairs fierce defense with just enough scoring to get by, this could be the beginning of a special group.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The 2023 writers’ strike opened up airtime on ABC on a weekly basis and contributed to a 29% jump in ratings.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Anyone who possessed this overwhelming desire to face near certain death on a regular basis is going to be unusual.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Root.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/root. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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