ROOTS Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

roots 1 of 2

noun

plural of root

as in sources

a point or place at which something is invented or provided he insists that insecurity is the root of all jealousy

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Relevance

as in origins

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

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as in foundations

an immaterial thing upon which something else rests an implicit trust in the wisdom of the people is the root of democracy

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as in essences

the central part or aspect of something under consideration at root, it's a question of the proper limits, if any, of free speech

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roots

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of root

as in embeds

to set solidly in or as if in surrounding matter rooted the post securely in the dirt

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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 roots

Noun

The gel texture lightly clarifies the scalp and volumizes the roots with the help of salicylic and glutamic acids. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026 Having a healthy lawn means managing soil conditions for the roots, mowing properly, and strengthening the density of the grass by overseeding. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026 Last night, designer Aaron Esh—and generations of libertines old and new—brought the legendary British high street superbrand AllSaints back to its roots. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026 Don’t go looking for hushed tones, decorous silence or the other traditions of a sport whose roots exist on the hallowed lawns of polite society. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 From the battlefields of Afghanistan expelling a global superpower to laying the groundwork for al-Qaeda, FOX News experts and former intelligence officials break down the roots of modern terrorism. — FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Trinidad, who is of El Salvadorian descent, traveled to the country of his roots as well as Guatemala, Nicaragua,Mexico and Panama. — Francesca Pinney, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Those deeper roots also sequester more carbon, reducing pollution in the atmosphere. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 Over the next several decades, Mexican American families poured in and set down roots. — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

Instead, Nowell roots the band’s sound in the mid-’90s and keeps his vocal mannerisms as close to Bradley’s as possible. — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026 Cousteau roots his pitch in economics. — Justin Worland, Time, 28 May 2026 This is a high-spirited opening for curious neighbors and travelers alike, with a mischievous sense of fun that firmly roots guests in their destination. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 Louisiana dirty rice is a tasty meat-and-rice dish that roots its flavor in aromatic Cajun seasoning and the holy trinity vegetables. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026 For Pritchard, whose Stanford roots date back to 2005, the chance to return as head coach was both emotional and deeply personal. — Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025 Natural rock formations rise through the living room floor, a detail that roots the design in the hillside itself, and a full renovation of an existing home brought it in line with the style of the main house while still maintaining its own identity. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025 In a strong culture, everyone roots their daily decisions in a desire to be in it to win it; there's a sense of ownership, pride and belonging. — Alex Brueckmann, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 As well, his longstanding appreciation of country music roots his art in respect and reverence of the genre's history. — Marcus K. Dowling, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Mar. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for roots

Noun

Renewable energy credits serve as proof that a company uses electricity from clean energy sources like solar farms, according to the Retail Energy Supply Association.

— Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026
Other dark leafy greens, such as Swiss chard and collard greens, are good sources, too.

— Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of sources

Noun

The actor opened up about the origins of his steely exterior in a 2023 interview with USA TODAY.

— Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Arte Distribution has Origins, A Tale of Light, a science doc that uses images created by artist Roman Hill, about the origins of the Universe.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of origins

Noun

At the center of the initiative is the ROBOTIS Open Humanoid, an open-source platform designed to provide access to the hardware and software foundations needed to develop new humanoid capabilities.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
Its non-towable structure means that it is transported to the site by truck and can then be installed on permanent concrete foundations or screw piles.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of foundations

Noun

To experience a thicker, chewier noodle, order the tsukemen (dipping-style ramen) with a broth, as dense as gravy, fusing the essences of pork, chicken and fish.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Common formats include serums, moisturizers and creams, cleansers, essences and toners, and masks.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of essences

Verb

Ye-ji embeds herself deeper and deeper into their lives, leading her and her wealthy businessman husband, Sang-woo (Zo In-sung), to develop a tenuous bond with them.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
Anthropic's method reportedly embeds an imperceptible mark during text generation, persisting through copying.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of embeds

Noun

Athletics The Athletics are led by DH Brent Rooker, who hit 39 homers and stole 11 bases last year, and right fielder Lawrence Butler, an emerging star who added 22 homers and 18 steals.

— Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
Washington Nationals The Nationals should take the next step forward as their young nucleus, led by shortstop CJ Abrams, who hit 20 homers and stole 31 bases last year, continues to develop and improve.

— Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025