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
Here’s an attempt at sourcing Amorim-friendly goalkeepers. Carl Anka, New York Times, 24 July 2025 The 50-card deck is beautifully illustrated and offers a good balance of classic recipes and less familiar cocktails, all built with approachable and easily sourced ingredients. Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2025
Verb
Communities are encouraged to work together, removing food sources and actively hazing coyotes, to prevent them from becoming too comfortable around people. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025 My sources tell me that the FBI wanted to release more information about Jeffrey Epstein, and Pam Blondi and her DOJ said NO. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for source
Recent Examples of Synonyms for source
Noun
  • Cain landed a guest role on Superman origin series Smallville's seventh season as Dr. Curtis Knox, and appeared on several episodes of Supergirl's first and second seasons as the titular heroine's foster father.
    Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Sheik plans to explore the goo’s origin, noting that there are many scenarios to consider, including whether the substance grew in the rudder shaft in the first place or somehow hitched a ride on the boat.
    Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The headwaters originate near 151st Street and Antioch Road in Overland Park and flows east for 4 miles through Leawood, ending at the Blue River in Missouri.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2025
  • Recovery efforts continue, with more than 1,000 local, state, and federal personnel – alongside thousands of volunteers from across the country – combing the area on foot from the river’s headwaters to Canyon Lake.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • The 31-year-old has interspersed references to his wife and son throughout the surprise release project and featured them in some of the imagery for the record.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Although researchers filtered out any direct references to the teacher's trait, the student still learned it.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Evening programming features the Gala of Lights — Panda Birthday Edition, which includes projections, dancing fountains and music.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 28 July 2025
  • There are also several spots ideal for alfresco lounging and entertaining amid a stone fireplace, a tiered fountain, and a reflecting pool.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • Eric Lafforgue/Art in All of Us/Corbis via Getty Images Tropical rainforests are the cradle of life on Earth—and the world's lungs.
    Juan Carlos Navarro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • Since beginning science operations in July 2022, JWST has transformed our understanding of the universe, from spotting the earliest galaxies yet to probing exoplanets and cradles of newborn stars.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • But such tools address symptoms rather than root causes, said Andrew Rumbach, a senior researcher at the Urban Institute who studies disaster risk and resilience.
    Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The instrument’s roots go at least as far back as the fifteenth century, but it was nearly lost to history, salvaged solely by a grassroots revival in the nineteen-eighties.
    Elena Saavedra Buckley, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Ticket Act, which is currently being considered in the United States Senate, requires ticket sellers to clearly and prominently disclose at the beginning of the transaction.
    Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • The Gate 5 project has been under construction since the beginning of the year.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • In the announcement video, she’s seen wearing a black catsuit with patent leather thigh-high boots, walking in front of a backdrop with the album title written over and over in her signature font.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 21 July 2025
  • The Tonale name is beautifully centered across the tailgate in a hipster cursive font.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Source.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/source. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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