ROOTS Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

roots 1 of 2

noun

Definition of roots next

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

But the film also sees the roots of toxic nativism elsewhere, especially in the wars being waged in Ukraine and Gaza, both of which become passing points of conversation. —

Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026 When the Tidal Basin floods, saltwater can saturate the soil and seep into the cherry trees' roots, which depend on dry land and fresh water to thrive. —

Dan Peck, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026 With longer roots and succulent adaptations, these brushes crowd out the native grasses and further shrink grazing habitat. —

Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026 Partnering with restaurateur Brandon Blanchard, Brown’s second concept draws on his Trinidadian, Jamaican, and African roots coupled with his Southern upbringing. —

Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026 The extreme heat kills the plant tissue immediately and typically destroys the roots of many weed species. —

Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026 Six-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Jason Isbell has become one of the most revered roots artists of his time. —

Bob Mehr, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 25 Mar. 2026 See latest conditions Rainfall during the critical germination months from September through November was well below normal, and the winter rain needed to support deep roots and healthy growth also fell short. —

Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026 The roots of the quaint hotel—once home to a cardinal—are reflected in the guest rooms’ tapestries, oak floors, and Carrara-marble bathrooms. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026

Verb

Minibars feature a custom bourbon blend from local distillery Jacob Rieger & Company, a thoughtful touch that roots the experience in Missouri. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 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

Fatalities data, the group says, is based on a range of sources, including sources among medical workers, publicly available images and official statements.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
The attack consisted of Iranian missiles and drones, sources told CBS News.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026