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
Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 May 2026
Whole herbs and roots use the plant in its most natural state, while powders are ground down into an easy-to-mix format.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
One of the major keys to popping curls is a healthy scalp, and this two-in-one cleanser and scrub keeps roots and follicles in prime condition so hair can flourish.
—Aimee Simeon, Glamour, 7 May 2026
While many homeowners view trees through the lens of maintenance costs — regular pruning can be expensive, and tree roots can wreak havoc on sidewalks and underground pipes — the benefits of trees are numerous and well-documented, experts say.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Decades in the planning, this property is personal for hotelier and businessman Michael Bennett whose Charleston family roots stretch back to the 1850s.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
As a proud member of the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians and a person of Hispanic heritage, my roots reflect the diversity of our district.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Now, five years after leaving NASA, Bridenstine is returning to those military roots.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 7 May 2026
The ancient herbs and roots themselves are not new.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
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
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
Instead of focusing on competition, Tucci’s culinary endeavors have centered on reconnecting with his Italian roots.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 May 2026
Whole herbs and roots use the plant in its most natural state, while powders are ground down into an easy-to-mix format.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
One of the major keys to popping curls is a healthy scalp, and this two-in-one cleanser and scrub keeps roots and follicles in prime condition so hair can flourish.
—Aimee Simeon, Glamour, 7 May 2026
While many homeowners view trees through the lens of maintenance costs — regular pruning can be expensive, and tree roots can wreak havoc on sidewalks and underground pipes — the benefits of trees are numerous and well-documented, experts say.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Decades in the planning, this property is personal for hotelier and businessman Michael Bennett whose Charleston family roots stretch back to the 1850s.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
As a proud member of the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians and a person of Hispanic heritage, my roots reflect the diversity of our district.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Now, five years after leaving NASA, Bridenstine is returning to those military roots.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 7 May 2026
The ancient herbs and roots themselves are not new.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
Verb
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
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
-
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential negotiations.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
-
But sources inside the island involved in delivering the aid, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, said the Catholic Church’s infrastructure would not be able to handle a massive influx of humanitarian aid.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The phrase apparently traces its origins to a 2021 post in an online forum run by Chinese search giant Baidu.—
Sylvie Zhuang,
CNN Money,
7 May 2026
-
The timeline, whose origins are unclear, said Barket had authenticated the note as of January 2020.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Some trees, like silver maples, are known for aggressive roots that can damage driveways and foundations.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
-
Unlike the public-private partnerships other presidential foundations have with the federal agency to administer presidential libraries on site, Obama signed an alternative agreement to digitize and display some of his presidential records instead.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
8 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
-
The device, called 3D-MIND, embeds groups of living neurons within a three-dimensional electronic scaffold designed to support communication between biological tissue and computing hardware.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
8 May 2026
-
Gone are the days of massive budgets and embeds with the Islamic State.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Cellphone mounts or cradles allow people to access their mobile devices at all times.—
Rachel Swan,
San Francisco Chronicle,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Humble beginnings Menjívar arrived undocumented in the United States at age 18, fleeing a bloody civil war in El Salvador, stowed away in a car to avoid detection at the border.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
-
Over the last two years, the actress has reportedly picked up two neighboring properties in the area, creating what already looks like the beginnings of a private compound spread across roughly half an acre.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
With its sarong, curve-enhancing silhouette, and scooped neckline, the little red dress is enough to stop hearts, take breath away, and provide CPR all at once.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
11 May 2026
-
This one, from the chef Perfecte Rocher (now cooking in San Diego), makes the most of spring delights, including fava beans and artichoke hearts.—
Carolynn Carreño,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Roots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roots. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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