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

Those children need to know their roots, need to know that there is always a place where they are loved and welcomed. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026 Interventions can include removing trees and vegetation or constructing barriers to isolate their roots from the house’s foundations and, at the more extreme and expensive end, underpinning the house by pumping concrete beneath the foundations. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026 Gurda traces the roots of the movement to the administration of Mayor David Rose, who occupied the mayor’s office for all but two years between 1898 and 1910. — D.l. Davis, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2026 Flat roots can get a lift from a volumizing dry shampoo, while frizz can be addressed with a small amount of lightweight hair oil. — Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026 The recipes reflect both her Southern roots, like Spiced Sorghum Drop Biscuits, and international inspiration, like the Ham-and-Cheese Paris-Brest (a classic French choux pastry). — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2026 His paternal roots stretch back to Oklahoma, and his mother’s side of the family hails from Kentucky, which is to say that he was raised with Southern sensibilities from the start. — Jason Parham, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 Sagar Pictures Entertainment operates as the film unit of the Sagar Pix Group, an Indian media conglomerate active in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad whose storytelling roots go back more than 75 years. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026 Team ownership is investing to allow executives to prioritize both entertaining the team’s current fanbase while building new roots, club president Mark Zarthar said. — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Verb

However, her performance soon takes on a more grounded, childlike cadence, which roots the supposedly amnesiac Margot a little too firmly within the literal, especially for a tale whose poetry lies in its uncanniness. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for roots

Noun

Club sources, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, say his influence has grown in the aftermath of those departures.

— Paul Taylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Production outside the Middle East ramped up Another significant adjustment during the Iran war was the ramp-up in oil production from unexpected sources.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of sources

Noun

This double theft was central to the origins, growth, and eventual success of the English colonies and the United States—not just initially but throughout all of American history.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Although the war in Europe and the Pacific dominates debates about Allied misconduct, the colonial character of World War II may tell us more about the origins of our present moment.

— Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of origins

Noun

Spanning automotive, steel, and agriculture, as well as government procurement, market access, and the future architecture of North American trade rules, the confrontation is now touching the deepest foundations of their economic relationship.

— , CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
During three seasons as the Rams’ offensive coordinator, Mike LaFleur said McVay established strong foundations but also used his tireless energy to encourage assistants to tear down tried-and-true concepts and build them back, sparking innovation.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of foundations

Noun

To experience a thicker, chewier noodle, order the tsukemen (dipping-style ramen) with a broth, as dense as gravy, fusing the essences of pork, chicken and fish.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Common formats include serums, moisturizers and creams, cleansers, essences and toners, and masks.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of essences

Verb

By running a masternode, Clear Street embeds itself directly into the core consensus layer, taking on the heavy lifting of verifying transactions and steering network governance.

— Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Through 50-plus community partnerships the school embeds counselors, mental healthcare and enrichment to keep students in class.

— Francesca Pinney, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of embeds

Noun

Soft, dynamic cushioning cradles your feet with every step while providing maximum support, providing transition assistance between launch and landing.

— Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
Egypt, one of the word’s cradles of civilization, is also a vibrant, modern country.

— Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

Definition of cradles

Noun

The museum will also look back at NBC milestones ranging from the network’s beginnings in radio to color television and the development of the modern late-night talk show.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Many other companies have similar, unlikely stories of their beginnings.

— Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 8 Sep. 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