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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Recent Examples of roots
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
Mulching too early traps heat and tricks plant roots to remain active and produce new growth.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
O’Neill was an everyman, never forgetting his middle-class roots.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
The stark highlight started at her roots, just a few inches from her hairline, and wrapped around both sides of her head before joining together in the back.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
Legendary singer and actor Bing Crosby took an interest in the region around the 1930s, later putting down roots with the purchase of an estate in nearby Rancho Santa Fe.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Carrot seeds sown in the ground need consistent moisture to germinate reliably and even growth requires perfectly uniform soil so as not to develop twisted shapes or forked roots.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025
Evolito itself traces its roots to YASA’s early axial flux technology.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
But James Sparks, winemaker and owner of Kings Carey, explains that this theme park–esque Santa Barbara County village has legitimate Scandi roots.
—Justin Goldman, AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
Rising seas could swallow the land that roots our identity.
—Feleti Penitala Teo, Time, 22 Sep. 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 roots anchor in the soil, providing a firm foundation for stems, branches, and leaves.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
Mulching too early traps heat and tricks plant roots to remain active and produce new growth.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
O’Neill was an everyman, never forgetting his middle-class roots.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
The stark highlight started at her roots, just a few inches from her hairline, and wrapped around both sides of her head before joining together in the back.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
Legendary singer and actor Bing Crosby took an interest in the region around the 1930s, later putting down roots with the purchase of an estate in nearby Rancho Santa Fe.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Carrot seeds sown in the ground need consistent moisture to germinate reliably and even growth requires perfectly uniform soil so as not to develop twisted shapes or forked roots.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025
Evolito itself traces its roots to YASA’s early axial flux technology.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
But James Sparks, winemaker and owner of Kings Carey, explains that this theme park–esque Santa Barbara County village has legitimate Scandi roots.
—Justin Goldman, AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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
Rising seas could swallow the land that roots our identity.
—Feleti Penitala Teo, Time, 22 Sep. 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
-
That said, many of the gains players made here won’t dramatically affect their bottom lines, and the reality is that most players on ECHL deals will still need those second jobs and other sources of income to continue to chase their dream of making it to the next level.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
But sources with knowledge of the business tell PEOPLE that the interpretation misses critical context — and that the data instead points to a brand experiencing strong demand and preparing for international expansion.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
With similarly humble origins, Frank Howard’s famous rock, which was brought back to him by a fan from California’s Death Valley, began as a doorstop.—
Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Since then, research into the disease and its origins has expanded significantly, uncovering genetic, biochemical and environmental factors that may contribute to its onset and progression.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
This is a year of building and construction to create solid foundations in your life, both physically and internally.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
6 Jan. 2026
-
When money donated to charity through intermediaries primarily went to foundations, those assets were subject to a 5% payout rule.—
Ray Madoff,
The Conversation,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Skin care leads the conversation, alongside a growing focus on niche fragrances, refined essences and wellness treatments.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
22 Dec. 2025
-
And this year’s lineup is loaded with glow-boosting icons—from milky toners and hydrating essences to overnight masks that make your skin feel like a cloud.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
2 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Berman embeds these views in her heroines’ discussions about writing, which are the way their friendship grows.—
Lily Meyer,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025
-
More specifically, Chastain’s character embeds herself on dark-web message boards spreading white-supremacist rhetoric.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Married couples shared a bed, and one of their younger children might sleep with them, though infants had cradles.—
Bobbi Sutherland,
The Conversation,
19 Dec. 2025
-
In the photos, Travis can be seen down on one knee as Swift cradles his face in the sweet moment.—
Natalia Senanayake,
PEOPLE,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This is a year of new beginnings and adventures!—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
-
In straightforward and compelling prose, Sammy, then 40, tells the story of his vaudeville beginnings, his growth as an entertainer, and his movement through America.—
Questlove,
The Atlantic,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
What the museum dream team did not see was the pain in our hearts about this jail.—
Dorothy Jenkins Fields,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
My message this week is about not letting our hearts be troubled, and Jesus is the way.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Roots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roots. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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