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 Englishes source their beans from Ethiopia, and infuse their roasts with spices, the way producers in Africa and the Middle East enjoy their coffee. Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 28 Sep. 2025 Looking for more practical essentials to source for your camping kit? Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
The light sources, motors, and automation systems used for VistaVision are still compatible with the 70mm projectors. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2025 For transplants, scientists are pursuing multiple sources of beta cells, including ones from a deceased donor and ones grown from other cells in a patient’s own body. Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for source
Recent Examples of Synonyms for source
Noun
  • The third phase materialized over the last year and a half, and delves deeper into origin.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Working on these inward-looking songs has allowed Teasdale and Chambers to feel less hemmed in by their origin story, one that was drawn early on by the press and then chiseled in stone.
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway is a looped route, one that meanders through the Chattahoochee National Forest and encircles the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The mine would restrict access to its tribal members, on top of creating heightened risks of mine runoff entering into the headwaters and decreasing dwindling fish populations, according to the lawsuit.
    Kevin Fixler September 20, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Amy Poehler, who assumed the role of Akerman’s Margo in the spoof, was introduced by flashing topless to Chloe Fineman, who played Brittany Snow’s Sophie, a reference to the characters’ first encounter on The Hunting Wives.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025
  • This includes the type of event, the number of people in attendance, whether Kirk had been to the campus before and a brief reference to security measures, among other topics.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The immersive set at Chanel, the movie that opened the show at Dior, the cinematic quality of Haider Ackerman’s Tom Ford show, Rick Owens’ models wading through the Palais de Tokyo fountain, and the use of digital projections to create an immersive, layered visual environment at Alaïa.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Gardens are found throughout the city, and none is complete without a burbling fountain.
    Fiona Mozley, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The town is also the cradle of the popular Mexican Tecate beer and boasts remarkable natural landscapes.
    Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • As is typical for Vionic shoes, these cradle your arches, provide cushion for every step, and keep your feet stable throughout the day.
    Gabriela Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Although his own roots are Baptist, the North Little Rock native is no stranger to the Methodist hymnal.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Oct. 2025
  • That legacy hasn’t faded, but the region feels freshly alive these days as chefs, artists, and creative entrepreneurs put down roots.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Fields would find the end zone a third time at the beginning of the second quarter, giving the Eagles a commanding 19-0 advantage over Southwest.
    Raul Avila, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
  • As format developers from around the world continue to seek inspiration from The Traitors, the show that signaled the beginning of a new generation looks set to stay in the thick of conversation on the Croisette.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Each draft begins with random ideas and quotes and memes and potential sources and reference links all splattered on the page in various fonts and colors.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The body art features Wilde's son Otis Alexander's first name on her right arm and daughter Daisy Josephine's on her left, both in a delicate font.
    Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Source.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/source. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on source

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