roots 1 of 2

Definition of rootsnext
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

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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
Once roots are established, reduce watering to a few times a week, depending on rainfall. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026 A lot of times these roots would be steeped in water to make herbal teas, and so they were used to those flavors, and used to using those ingredients. Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026 The dinosaur‘s name reflects its southern roots. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026 La Voz Favorita, out Thursday, is made up of a staggering 24 tracks, where Wheeler revisits his roots while pushing urbano forward. Lucas Villa, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026 One example is a nod to England’s 1966 World Cup win, connected to Deliveroo’s London roots. Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 But a late-breaking twist may have set the second season (streaming now on Netflix) free from its wishy-washy roots. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 28 May 2026 What is striking about this moment is that America is not merely acknowledging the Jewish roots of some of its values historically, but openly turning again to a distinctly Jewish practice as a possible source of wisdom for the present. Ari Berman, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026 Place the stems in water and wait for roots to appear. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026
Verb
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 coalition is urging the state to find new sources of funding for the work.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Authorities currently believe the woman shot the man and children before shooting herself, The LA Times reports, citing law enforcement sources.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Palo Alto may be home to today’s masters of the universe, but its community pool in Rinconada Park retains the old-school charm of its origins.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
  • The team began sorting through possible origins for this high-energy neutrino particle by acting like cosmic forensic detectives, classifying the detection of the particle as a crime scene and hunting for potential clues that point toward a culprit.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • The package included investments in coastal protection, climate finance, resilience-building programs, and other efforts aimed at helping countries adapt to increasingly severe weather events—support that also strengthened the foundations of the region's agricultural sector.
    Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
  • The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Like almost all modern iterations of music, the genre of Catalan rumba has evolved alongside streaming-era influences and the younger generations of musicians who have taken up its sonic essences and distilled them through their own lenses.
    Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • This embeds skill-building into daily work, shifting teams toward higher-value roles without slowing execution.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • The vehicle is integrated with Klein’s SmartArray Technology, which embeds key electronics directly within the transducer array to support a more compact system architecture and preserve valuable vehicle payload space.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • The best way to store a boat on land is to leave it on a trailer or place it on jack stands and cradles.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • This is a year of new beginnings, adventures and major changes in your life.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • That’s mastering the art of new beginnings—one attempt at a time.
    Tamar Gakharia, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • For families The hotel has a kids club with supervised activities so that parents can dine, have spa treatments or shop to their hearts’ content.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Our hearts go out to Joe's family, friends and the generations of neighbors who loved him.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Roots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roots. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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