1
as in sources
a point or place at which something is invented or provided
he insists that insecurity is the root of all jealousy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in embeds
to set solidly in or as if in surrounding matter
rooted the post securely in the dirt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of roots
Madhushree Basu Roy, Saveur, 30 Apr. 2026
The ancient technique used by Indigenous farmers helps direct rainfall to their roots.
—ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
The modern American fair has roots stretching back more than two centuries, but the Midwest has made the format its own — turning agricultural exhibitions into massive entertainment events that define summers across the heartland.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Constantly soggy soil suffocates roots and invites rot — the plant equivalent of trench foot.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
In the 2000s and 2010s especially, mindfulness started appearing throughout American culture, largely shorn of most Buddhist roots, and was applied to a wide variety of self-help subjects in publications and emblazoned on health food products.
—Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
London's Café Royal Grill has returned to its roots, with a seasonal menu and historic recipes.
—Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Saturday’s bill is led by Orange County punk band the Offspring, along with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, reggae rock band Slightly Stoopid, roots rock band Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals and fellow reggae rock band Fortunate Youth.
—Alex Distefano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Head out for some free old-fashioned fun on Saturday, May 2 at the annual Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill, celebrating the roots of Orange County.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 29 Apr. 2026
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
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
Noun
As a city that is always negotiating with modernity, the tradition of jol khabar remains a comforting anchor, binding generations to their cultural roots and evoking nostalgia.
—Madhushree Basu Roy, Saveur, 30 Apr. 2026
The ancient technique used by Indigenous farmers helps direct rainfall to their roots.
—ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
The modern American fair has roots stretching back more than two centuries, but the Midwest has made the format its own — turning agricultural exhibitions into massive entertainment events that define summers across the heartland.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Constantly soggy soil suffocates roots and invites rot — the plant equivalent of trench foot.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
In the 2000s and 2010s especially, mindfulness started appearing throughout American culture, largely shorn of most Buddhist roots, and was applied to a wide variety of self-help subjects in publications and emblazoned on health food products.
—Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
London's Café Royal Grill has returned to its roots, with a seasonal menu and historic recipes.
—Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Saturday’s bill is led by Orange County punk band the Offspring, along with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, reggae rock band Slightly Stoopid, roots rock band Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals and fellow reggae rock band Fortunate Youth.
—Alex Distefano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Head out for some free old-fashioned fun on Saturday, May 2 at the annual Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill, celebrating the roots of Orange County.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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
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
-
April 25, 2026 Less than a week after making his major-league debut on April 3, the shortstop signed a team-record nine-year extension that league sources confirmed to The Athletic is for $140 million and could be worth up to $150 million with performance escalators.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The victim was charged with disorderly conduct and trespass, but both charges were later dropped, sources said.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Its exact origins are unknown, but it was most likely discovered in South India in the 13th century.—
Emma Caughlan,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The origins of outlaw country music, popular in the 1970s and ‘80s, are largely credited to Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, but Coe was a seminal figure in the subgenre.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Plans for the new government building are set to begin, with the laying of foundations scheduled for the end of 2026.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Apr. 2026
-
This is a year of work and building to create solid foundations in your life.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Many imitation almond extracts or essences rely on synthetic benzaldehyde for flavor, which can create saccharine notes that overpower delicate desserts like custards, sponges, or pastry creams.—
Emily Saladino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Store shelves are packed with serums, toners, essences and exfoliants — all promising transformative results.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
By reducing the number of characters to four; three alphanumeric characters and one geometric symbol; the system embeds a powerful retrieval cue directly into the format itself.—
Jay Gardiner,
Boston Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The approach embeds motion directly into the material rather than adding mechanical joints later.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the sweet video, Steinfeld lifts her black sweatshirt to reveal her baby bump, which her husband then kisses and cradles; the two frolic in the snow looking so in love.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Cellphone mounts or cradles allow people to access their mobile devices at all times.—
Rachel Swan,
San Francisco Chronicle,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This is a year of new beginnings, adventures and major changes.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Gerrymandering as a practice goes back to the beginnings of the republic—the term comes from maps drawn under Governor Elbridge Gerry in 1812.—
Adam Serwer,
The Atlantic,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And the birds are chirping their hearts out.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
-
With the winter behind us in the far rearview mirror, spring is consuming our senses and filling our hearts with blossoms and blooms.—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Roots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roots. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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