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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Over the next several decades, Mexican American families poured in and set down roots. — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026 Norway’s monarchy has old roots, tracing its origins to King Harald Fairhair in the ninth century. — Jan M. Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 In 2019, the company rebranded to pay homage to its Texas roots. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 The Sentinel traces its roots back to the first newspaper in Orlando, the Orange County Reporter, which began in 1876. — Stephen M. Dowell, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 Sima Sistani, who led WeightWatchers for close to three years before departing in 2024, is launching Liberation of Flowers, inspired by her Persian roots. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 The settee and chairs are by Lane Venture in Cilantro greens, and the cast-iron horse is a nod to Khouri's Kentucky roots. — Caroline Randall Williams, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026 Since there are more than 250 genes associated with autism spectrum disorder, finding a treatment that targets the genetic roots of the disorder is equivalent to seeking a single key for hundreds of different locks. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 27 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

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 broader strategy is to reserve space for nuclear generation alongside other power sources as data-center campuses expand.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
The Best Collagen Sources for Vegetarians Since vegetarians can’t get collagen from direct sources, the key is to look for foods and supplements that will support collagen production.

— Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of sources

Noun

The money comes from foundations and from Tulsa's First Presbyterian Church, located across the street.

— Scott Horsley, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026
Launched in 2022 with an initial $400 million investment, LIV Golf looked to rival the PGA Tour by featuring $250 million in prize purses, with no less of an aim than to shake the foundations of the sport.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 26 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

Humble beginnings Born on January 19, 1946 in a one-room cabin in Tennessee, Parton grew up the fourth of 12 children.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Kate O’Flynn has been a working actor for 20 years and, on this blinding August morning, is adjusting to the beginnings of her first-ever trip to Los Angeles.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of beginnings

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