ROOTS Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

roots 1 of 2

noun

Definition of roots next

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

Besides being more manageable logistically, this style calls back to Healy’s fine-dining roots — think of a chef curating an ever-changing tasting menu — and also just speaks to Healy’s own personal preference. —

Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026 The meal nods to Buenos Aires’ enduring devotion to its Italian roots, while landing squarely in step with how the city wants to eat right now. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 Too Much Mulch Might Be Blocking Moisture Mulch is beneficial to help retain moisture in the soil so it can be absorbed by plant roots. —

Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026 Don’t look now, but Live Nation is shedding its low-margin promoter roots and emerging as a dominant venue owner/operator that increasingly commands the kind of premium valuation multiple its scale, control and economics justify. —

Justin Zacks, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026 Stam, who was raised on a farm in Canada, told the New York Post in 2022 that moving to the Aloha State brought her back to her roots. —

Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026 Halpin says that the group’s Orange County roots will feature prominently in the show, while eagle-eyed fans will catch numerous Easter eggs. —

Leena Tailor, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026 Ideally, the correct pot size provides room for roots to grow, and enough soil moisture to avoid twice-daily waterings, but still dries down adequately. —

Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026 Rice’s roots started in Rocky Hill. —

Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026

Verb

Minibars feature a custom bourbon blend from local distillery Jacob Rieger & Company, a thoughtful touch that roots the experience in Missouri. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 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 Rising seas could swallow the land that roots our identity. —

Feleti Penitala Teo, Time, 22 Sep. 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

On average, the study participants consumed about 41% of their daily food from ultraprocessed sources.

— Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
The fees help preserve the city’s general fund budget without having to cover the full cost of its maintenance from other sources.

— Henry Foster Iii, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026