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

For a natural, lash-enhancing effect, Briceno suggests pressing the pencil directly into the roots of your lashes rather than drawing a thick line above them. — Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026 Kachakji is specific in calling out the Arab roots of her food, as opposed to generically calling it Mediterranean. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026 Reforming Social Security by cutting benefits for rich people and raising them for poor people would make the most financial sense and return the program to its roots. — Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 Also new, Fidan Novruzova, the Central Saint Martins graduate with Azerbaijani roots and a Moldovan upbringing, who was selected as a semi-finalist for the LVMH Prize in 2024. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 24 July 2026 The Nitty Gritty series grows on its own roots, so suckering should not be a problem. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 July 2026 After several years of working and living abroad as digital nomads, most recently in Portugal, the couple was looking for a place to put down roots while continuing their global work. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 24 July 2026 Those details reflect how open source is moving further away from its libertarian roots, and toward one involving more state oversight. — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 24 July 2026 Southwest’s bizarre seat assignments and enforcement policies may have had operational roots, but customers assumed the worst. — Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 17 July 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

Early reports described the romance as casual, but by the end of 2025, sources close to the couple told People that their relationship had become serious and committed.

— Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Trump is also not expected to get involved in the extradition case, two sources familiar with the matter earlier told CNN.

— Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of sources

Noun

Latinx historians in the volume raise another possibility, that the country’s origins run through the West as well, not only through Virginia or Philadelphia.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
Groves will mine personal archives, company records, patents and the sporting press to document Fred Perry’s origins from 1952 and reframe its legacy for today.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

Definition of origins

Noun

In general, Daosist alchemy is understood as distilling elements of the world into potent spiritual essences.

— Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
One notable upgrade is the Sheet Mask Boost Mode, specifically designed to help hydrating essences penetrate deeper into the skin.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026

Definition of essences

Noun

But with Fam joining Malonga, there is much less room for a veteran center, especially one who hasn’t been healthy enough (Magbegor has only played four games this season) to figure out her fit with the two franchise cornerstones.

— Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 21 July 2026
And a starting rotation containing two cornerstones who have shown up for a total of eight games.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026