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

Legion targets contested airspace The system’s roots stretch back to Lockheed Martin’s earlier IRST work. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026 The oldest company on the list, brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev, traces its roots back 660 years to the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, Belgium. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026 This is all in the spirit of keeping to her original roots, the sit-down show known for its satirical vibe with guests, all ignited by her valley girl snark, wit and jolly. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2026 This week sees two new mystery series with literary roots, which is not necessarily to say in literature. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Hair artist Lacy Redway took the texture into her own hands, using a crimping iron to create movement from the roots down. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026 Permanent hair color is touched up less frequently, and usually only at the roots. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026 Flat roots can get a lift from a volumizing dry shampoo, while frizz can be addressed with a small amount of lightweight hair oil. — Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026 The recipes reflect both her Southern roots, like Spiced Sorghum Drop Biscuits, and international inspiration, like the Ham-and-Cheese Paris-Brest (a classic French choux pastry). — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2026

Verb

However, her performance soon takes on a more grounded, childlike cadence, which roots the supposedly amnesiac Margot a little too firmly within the literal, especially for a tale whose poetry lies in its uncanniness. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for roots

Noun

Club sources, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, say his influence has grown in the aftermath of those departures.

— Paul Taylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Production outside the Middle East ramped up Another significant adjustment during the Iran war was the ramp-up in oil production from unexpected sources.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of sources

Noun

Over the past decade, ctenophores have helped answer long-standing questions about fundamental biology, from how early nervous systems evolved to the origins of the mesmerizing phenomenon of bioluminescence.

— Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 16 Sep. 2026
Today, Paramount+’s prequel series Star Trek; Strange New Worlds has revived two of Majel’s roles, expanding both Chapel and Number One well beyond the social and cultural restraints of their mid-’60s origins.

— Scott Huver, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of origins

Noun

The next chapter of AI belongs to the R&D aimed at foundations, and the need for it has never been greater.

— Charles Yeomans, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Stephen Colbert doesn’t think the foundations of America have been shaken by the cancellation of The Late Show.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 15 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

By running a masternode, Clear Street embeds itself directly into the core consensus layer, taking on the heavy lifting of verifying transactions and steering network governance.

— Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Through 50-plus community partnerships the school embeds counselors, mental healthcare and enrichment to keep students in class.

— Francesca Pinney, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of embeds

Noun

Soft, dynamic cushioning cradles your feet with every step while providing maximum support, providing transition assistance between launch and landing.

— Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
Egypt, one of the word’s cradles of civilization, is also a vibrant, modern country.

— Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

Definition of cradles

Noun

The museum will also look back at NBC milestones ranging from the network’s beginnings in radio to color television and the development of the modern late-night talk show.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Many other companies have similar, unlikely stories of their beginnings.

— Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of beginnings

Noun

For example, both the United States and China plan to build bases near the moon's south pole, which is thought to harbor large amounts of water ice.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2026
After Alvarez rounded the bases, the two met at home plate and shared a long embrace before walking back to the dugout.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026