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

In this case, the O is designed with roots that represent the land, a lamb for spring and new birth, and an almond blossom petal. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026 Born and raised in Nogales, Mexico, the fourth of twelve children, Trujillo had deep community roots. — Allie Torgan, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 If additional hold is needed, Marjan recommends spraying Paul Mitchell Firm Hold Super Clean Extra Hairspray on the roots and brushing back before wrapping a second elastic around everything. — Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026 In addition to the battle with the young digital creator, one transformed Julie’s discovery of her Italian American roots into a Goodfellas parody. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026 For giant radishes, plant daikon Japanese or Korean varieties whose roots can extend to more than one foot. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2026 Within a six-inch radius, chances are that Pedicularis has tapped into the roots of Cassiope, drawing resources vital to the plant’s growth and survival. — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 The restaurant traces its decades-old roots to Florence, Italy. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 The pair bonded over their Vietnamese roots, and that shared heritage now influences their entertaining styles. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 21 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

Now, multiple sources told CBS California Investigates that the governor's office plans to veto AB 1608.

— Julie Watts, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, sources inside the organization said the Walter regime prioritized immediate profits over long-term infrastructure investments.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of sources

Noun

However, this represented only one of several plausible geographic origins of her lineage, according to the researchers.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Your guide will teach you about the origins of Prohibition and tell stories of infamous bootleggers.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of origins

Noun

The exhibit and documentary were funded with about $110,000 in donations from community members, businesses and organizations and grants, including money from the Seigle and Palmer foundations, musuem Director Rebecca Miller said.

— Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
For leaders looking to strengthen these foundations, Patrick Lencioni's The Five Dysfunctions of a Team remains one of the most practical books on building trust and creating high-performing teams.

— Don Weber, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of foundations

Verb

Anthropic's method reportedly embeds an imperceptible mark during text generation, persisting through copying.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
According to the Mayo Clinic, Pilonidal disease usually occurs when hair punctures and embeds itself in a pocket of skin near the tailbone.

— Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 6 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