1
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
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
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
4
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
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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of roots
Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Evergreen is again hosting this student-run fest with some celebrity shine on its headliner, and a bevy of performers that reinforce Colorado’s identity as a roots-music haven.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 4 June 2026
Founded by Vania Leles, Vanleles merges cultural significance and its African roots with modern charms and designs, qualities that also evoke Middleton’s approach to her royal wardrobe.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Standing next to a charred Western sycamore tree, Mace pointed out that its roots survived and branches with vibrant leaves have resprouted.
—Joy Benedict, CBS News, 4 June 2026
That makes sense given Todd’s deep Los Angeles roots.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Winfrey will narrate the center’s campus guide, which details the building of the 19-acre campus and its roots in the neighborhood.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026
Jennifer Lopez is making a return to her rom-com roots with the upcoming premiere of Office Romance.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
Once roots are established, reduce watering to a few times a week, depending on rainfall.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
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
Noun
The nonalcoholic Racine is designed entirely around roots—ginger, vetiver, turmeric, liquorice—while the Feuille cocktail focuses solely on leaves, blending mint, blue spirulina, blackcurrant bud, aloe vera, and patchouli.
—Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Evergreen is again hosting this student-run fest with some celebrity shine on its headliner, and a bevy of performers that reinforce Colorado’s identity as a roots-music haven.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 4 June 2026
Founded by Vania Leles, Vanleles merges cultural significance and its African roots with modern charms and designs, qualities that also evoke Middleton’s approach to her royal wardrobe.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Standing next to a charred Western sycamore tree, Mace pointed out that its roots survived and branches with vibrant leaves have resprouted.
—Joy Benedict, CBS News, 4 June 2026
That makes sense given Todd’s deep Los Angeles roots.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Winfrey will narrate the center’s campus guide, which details the building of the 19-acre campus and its roots in the neighborhood.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026
Jennifer Lopez is making a return to her rom-com roots with the upcoming premiere of Office Romance.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
Once roots are established, reduce watering to a few times a week, depending on rainfall.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 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
-
While season 1 unveils the cult's origins and delves into the involvement of major key players (including Smallville actress Allison Mack, who, in July 2023, was released a year early from her three-year sentencing), season 2 shifts its focus to Raniere's court trial.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 June 2026
-
The group brought together different professions, generations, styles, and geographic origins.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
4 June 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 simulations also tracked how matter moves through stellar cradles.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
1 June 2026
-
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
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
Cite this Entry
“Roots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roots. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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