source 1 of 2

1
2
as in headwater
the beginning part of a stream 19th-century explorers who sought the source of the Nile

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

source

2 of 2

verb

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

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 source
Noun
The card is signed by both superstars and features two NBA logos sourced from a jersey worn in the 1996-97 championship season by Jordan, and a jersey worn by Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in 2020. Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 18 Aug. 2025 Against this backdrop, Myanmar’s low labor costs—approximately $95 a month—remain a tempting factor for brands looking for sourcing partners. Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
With the sharp decline in sea stars, the sea urchins that usually serve as a food source rapidly expanded in population. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025 The official story told by official sources, the story we’ve been trained to trust, is often a distortion, or a downright fabrication. Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for source
Recent Examples of Synonyms for source
Noun
  • According to Variety, the project covering O’Connor’s origin story is being helmed by Irish production company ie: entertainment, which executive produced and worked with the singer on the 2022 O’Connor documentary Nothing Compares; O’Connor died in July 2023 at age 56 of natural causes.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025
  • But there's one part of Silverstone's origin that the actress isn't sentimental about.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Guadalupe River has had a history of floods, with one of the most prominent incidents occurring in 1987, when five to 10 inches of rain fell in the upper headwaters of the river’s basin.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Almost 38 years ago, on July 16, heavy rainfall triggered 5 to 10 inches of rain in the upper headwaters of the Guadalupe River basin, resulting in a massive flood wave that traveled through Kerrville and Comfort, according to the National Weather Service.
    Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Candidates complete a detailed questionnaire covering their background, litigation history, writing samples, and references — including adversaries and judges.
    Muhammad U. Faridi, New York Daily News, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Their franchises became universal references: the September issue, the Swimsuit Issue, the person of the year, the Playboy centerfold, the New Yorker cartoon.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The homer traveled 425 feet into the right-field fountains.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2025
  • For those lucky enough to spend the night in a Penthouse Suite (available with either a fountain, Strip or sunset view), go directly from the lounge to the dedicated suite elevator.
    Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • To ensure your stand never damages your devices, look for a model with rubber or silicone padding in the phone cradle.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025
  • In contrast to a universal system that covers everyone from cradle to grave, an employer-first system leaves huge swaths of the population uninsured.
    Sumit Agarwal, The Conversation, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • Today it has been reimagined as a romantic hotel with Renaissance roots and a modern soul.
    Livia Hengel, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Plant coneflowers six weeks before the first frost so the roots can settle in.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • From the beginning of his trial, his sisters have been supportive of Jussie.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 22 Aug. 2025
  • That is up from Politico's previous poll, conducted at the beginning of June, which showed Porter with 6 percent in a head-to-head matchup.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Stick to plain bullet points and standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, in 10-12pt size.
    Andrew Fennell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Swift also shared the album cover for the record, photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot, which sees the singer floating underwater with the title displayed in an orange font.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Source.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/source. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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