roots 1 of 2

plural of root
1
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
4

roots

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of root

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
Aniston, on the other hand, leaned into the shoe's casual roots, wearing hers with jeans and a tank top for a relaxed look that felt quintessentially summer. Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 The dynamic Sun in your 9th House of Exploration quincunxes powerful Pluto in your 4th House of Home, so growth calls while roots demand attention. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026 Amid ramping tensions as federal immigration enforcement officers riled the Chicago area, a Lake County fashion student created an award-winning collection drawing from her family’s immigrant roots. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 Besides toning color, this shampoo acts as a gentle clarifier, removing product buildup from the roots and hair that can make your hair appear dull and greasy. Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 25 June 2026 These are two local, ethnic soccer clubs, players with roots in Belarus scrumming on the home pitch of a Ukrainian club called Tryzub. Brian Mann, NPR, 25 June 2026 Northern California will say goodbye this week to a familiar face on KCRA’s morning newscast as Erin Heft leaves Sacramento’s NBC affiliate for a job closer to her Texas roots. Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 While most major sports teams now commemorate titles with boozy processions, no route matches the historical significance of New York’s Battery Park to City Hall stretch, with roots dating back to the Revolutionary War. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 18 June 2026 That dual identity—DMV roots and Miami immersion—has shaped MTO’s broader cultural footprint. Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 18 June 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
  • The budget is also expected to include additional funding for Fair Fares and NYC Kids RISE, a college savings plan program, sources told The News.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 30 June 2026
  • Late last week, it was reported that Mangione had been in talks with federal prosecutors about a possible plea deal, but that had fallen aside, sources familiar with the matter said.
    Adam Reiss, NBC news, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • On the June 25 episode of Jenna Bush Hager's Open Book with Jenna podcast, Ryan spoke about the origins of her pseudonym.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
  • Between the two cities, the similarities and differences in the origins of those communities make Melbourne’s culinary fabric both innately familiar to Angelenos, and also something wholly distinct to experience.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • At least seven of those winners started charitable foundations, and all nine have made significant gifts to local causes.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • Video on Venezuelan state television showed buildings missing facades, tilted on their foundations.
    Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • One notable upgrade is the Sheet Mask Boost Mode, specifically designed to help hydrating essences penetrate deeper into the skin.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 June 2026
  • In this process, neuroscientists assess the emotional benefits of natural essences using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
    Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Crucially, Claude Tag's design embeds the AI within existing systems of record, bringing the agent to the data.
    Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • Their proprietary InfuseRFID technology, which embeds durable, washable RFID tags directly into garments, won the Sustainable Product Award at the 2026 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Egypt, one of the word’s cradles of civilization, is also a vibrant, modern country.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • This 10-pack of plastic melon cradles was a lifesaver last year once my pumpkins started maturing late July.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Prince Harry gave the ring (ironically a sign of rebellion and new beginnings) to his new wife Meghan Markle in 2018.
    Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2026
  • Lutnick’s letter marks the beginnings of a new regulatory regime that gives the US government control over the release of frontier AI models.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Curriculum reform was one of the cornerstones of Louisiana’s rise in literacy achievement.
    Thibaut Delloue, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026
  • These changes will have a significant impact in Nevada, where tourism, hospitality, and gaming are cornerstones of the state's economy.
    Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez, CBS News, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Roots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roots. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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