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

Becoming the first Latino directly elected to California’s highest office is a distinction Becerra was reluctant to promote on the campaign trail, preferring instead to focus on his humble roots. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026 Mulching too early in fall can trap warmth that tricks the plants into sending out new growth, but mulching after the ground has frozen won’t properly insulate roots. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2026 During her victory speech, Dandiya reflected on her family's immigrant roots and the significance of her election. — Ted Scouten, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026 Matsubayashi built the film around a search for one’s roots, and chose to tell it through Okinawan dance. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026 Others are capable of evaluating trigonometric functions, extracting roots and calculating logarithms. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2026 Good drainage is important to keep the roots healthy, especially during the winter when the tree’s water needs are lower. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026 Watering these plants when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry and adding mulch around their roots helps keep them from drying out quickly and suffering from water stress, which can reduce the size of their sprouts. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2026 Although Perlée was formally introduced in 2008, its defining golden bead has roots stretching back nearly a century. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 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

Many of the office’s attorneys, particularly in its misdemeanor corps, work with basement-level spirits, according to one of the sources.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Last month, citing anonymous sources, Reuters reported that Solidigm was holding pitch meetings with investment banks for an IPO that could value the company at up to $150 billion.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of sources

Noun

Marc Short, chairman of Advancing American Freedom and onetime chief of staff to former Vice President Mike Pence, told CNBC on Tuesday afternoon that the GOP has moved away from its conservative foundations.

— Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
In Kipnuk — a village of under 200 homes — dozens of houses were swept off their foundations.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of foundations

Noun

Essential oils, oleoresins, essences and distillates all qualify, as do protein hydrolysates and any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis.

— Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026
Finish Skin Prep With a Toner or Essence After cleansing, a toning step can remove any leftover impurities from the pores and balance the skin’s pH level, while essences—which have a slightly thicker texture—tend to be more hydrating.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of essences

Verb

The regal-looking Oculus design is flattering in its curvilinear, embeds the diamond securely within its basket, and, once again, can go so far as to represent two lives uniting as one — sans borders, boundaries, or barriers.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
At Caylent, an AWS consulting partner that embeds FDEs with customers, CEO Val Henderson said the role requires more than technical expertise.

— Barbara Booth, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of embeds

Noun

The books below will satisfy your bog witch cravings, while also reminding you of the real-world importance of bogs as bulwarks against climate change, cradles of biodiversity, and keepers of ancestral memory.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of cradles

Noun

Like an unassuming plant from outer space, Little Shop of Horrors had humble beginnings—but managed to blossom at a surprising rate.

— Andrew Buss, Vanity Fair, 29 Oct. 2026
The new moon in Scorpio on November 9, followed by Mercury’s direct station in the same sign on November 13, signals new beginnings and forward motion related to the things that bring you a sense of personal fulfillment.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of beginnings

Noun

The new deployments include troops from marine and navy units as well as training centers and naval bases from Java and Lampung province.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2026
The chemicals contaminated groundwater near military bases, airports and other locations where the foam was used to extinguish fires.

— CBS News, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026