Synonyms of source

source 1 of 2

noun

ˈsȯrs 

1

as in origin

a point or place at which something is invented or provided

we were uncertain as to the source of the rumors

a source of inspiration

Synonyms & Similar Words

• origin
• fountain
• cradle
• root
• beginning
• font
• spring
• commencement
• wellspring
• fountainhead
• start
• genesis
• well
• inception
• launch
• seedbed
• threshold
• day one
• outset
• baseline
• dawn
• onset
• incipiency
• morning
• first base
• kickoff
• ground zero
• incipience
• square one
• git-go
• get-go
• nascence
• nascency

2

as in headwater

the beginning part of a stream

19th-century explorers who sought the source of the Nile

Synonyms & Similar Words

• headwater
• tributary
• headstream
• wellspring
• head
• fountainhead
• fountain
• spring
• hot spring
• geyser
• branch
• feeder
• headspring

3

as in reference

something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information

the professor asked the students to have at least five different sources for their papers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reference
• authority
• quotation
• citation
• extract
• excerpt
• footnote
• caption
• note
• cross-reference

source

2 of 2

verb

as in to reference

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reference
• document
• corroborate
• validate
• bear out
• touch (on or upon)
• specify
• refer (to)
• illustrate
• substantiate
• name
• represent
• instance
• exemplify
• cite
• advert (to)
• quote
• mention
• adduce

Synonym Chooser

How is the word source distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of source are inception, origin, and root. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile

the source of recurrent trouble

When is inception a more appropriate choice than source?

While in some cases nearly identical to source, inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When is it sensible to use origin instead of source?

The words origin and source are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

When can root be used instead of source?

While the synonyms root and source are close in meaning, root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of source

Noun

The goal should be not to remove the sources of conflict with Russia but to place constraints on its ability to harm U.S. interests. —A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025

What To Know The man was on the fifth floor of Trump Tower and in an emotionally disturbed state, The New York Daily News reported, citing a police source. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025

Verb

More than 60% of Amazon's sales are from items sold by third-party merchants, and many of those sellers source their products from China. —Ari Levy, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2025

The pressure is particularly acute at companies like Target, that had previously championed diversity in hiring and in sourcing their products. —Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025