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
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
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 June 2026
Jason Momoa, who was born in Hawaii, was photographed helping Lola arrange traditional colorful Hawaiian garlands, the leis, a tribute to her roots.
—Monica Coviello, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026
Reactor with historic roots Aurora differs from traditional nuclear plants through its fast neutron reactor design and compact architecture.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 June 2026
Uranus is disrupting your fourth house of home, family and emotional roots, while the North Node in your sign highlights your newfound identity and self-awareness.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Cook has roots in the city’s business community.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
PatBO’s roots remain firmly connected to the artisans who help bring the collections to life.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Under creative director Chemena Kamali, the brand has embraced its bohemian roots with a subversive twist, mixing sheer billowing silhouettes with unexpected footwear.
—Diana Tsui, 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
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 36-year-old entrepreneur from Stanford, Connecticut, moved to Mexico City last year to reconnect with the roots of his late grandparents.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 June 2026
Jason Momoa, who was born in Hawaii, was photographed helping Lola arrange traditional colorful Hawaiian garlands, the leis, a tribute to her roots.
—Monica Coviello, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026
Reactor with historic roots Aurora differs from traditional nuclear plants through its fast neutron reactor design and compact architecture.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 June 2026
Uranus is disrupting your fourth house of home, family and emotional roots, while the North Node in your sign highlights your newfound identity and self-awareness.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Cook has roots in the city’s business community.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
PatBO’s roots remain firmly connected to the artisans who help bring the collections to life.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Under creative director Chemena Kamali, the brand has embraced its bohemian roots with a subversive twist, mixing sheer billowing silhouettes with unexpected footwear.
—Diana Tsui, 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
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
-
While sources said a signing ceremony could be held in Switzerland in the coming days, Iran’s foreign minister suggested the signing could take place remotely.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
-
In addition to its own facility, the company has partnered with a group of garment manufacturers and mills in the region to create localized sources for everything from fabric to finishing while helping to satisfy its customers’ demands.—
SJ Studio,
Footwear News,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Young Washington, a narrative look at the American president’s origins starring Ben Kingsley, Mary-Louise Parker, Kelsey Grammer and Andy Serkis, will debut Saturday at the Tribeca Festival in New York.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
11 June 2026
-
As expected, many of the other genes came from either the Asgard archaea or Alphaproteobacteria, consistent with the big-picture model of our origins.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Presidential libraries, in general, are staffed by the nonpartisan National Archives, with museum exhibits maintained largely by presidential foundations.—
Christopher Borrelli,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
-
Typically the more basic onion varieties are used as foundations for sauces or other dishes, but there are so many other delicious and unique varieties of onions, from scallions to green onions to sweet onions such as Vidalia or Maui.—
Stacey Lastoe,
Southern Living,
14 June 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 collaboration embeds Wisp's consumer-grade platform directly inside Mount Sinai's clinical infrastructure.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
12 June 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
-
This 10-pack of plastic melon cradles was a lifesaver last year once my pumpkins started maturing late July.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 June 2026
-
The simulations also tracked how matter moves through stellar cradles.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Say yes to beginnings that fit your true pace beautifully.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
Hockney came from humble beginnings.—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Public safety has emerged as one of the cornerstones of Pratt's platform.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
-
Considering the potential for a new manager and the departures of long-serving Guardiola cornerstones like Stones and Silva, this is shaping up to be a big summer of change at City.—
Jessica Hopkins,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Roots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roots. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
