1
as in source
something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information
the author's argument is interesting, but the lack of references makes me wonder if it can be proven
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as in to source
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Recent Examples of reference
Fred Katz, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Neoclassical Photo: Caroline Purser/Getty Images Unlike the Classical Revival style, which incorporates direct references to Greek and Roman forms, the neoclassical style pulls from design principles of the classical period in more comprehensive ways.
—Lauren Gallow, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2025
Elyse Apel | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Jan. 2025
The district's design also subtly references the roofs of the traditional Chinese temples of Xi'an.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reference 
Noun
Maybe this was a reference to the NBA Cup’s six-figure prize.
—Fred Katz, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Neoclassical Photo: Caroline Purser/Getty Images Unlike the Classical Revival style, which incorporates direct references to Greek and Roman forms, the neoclassical style pulls from design principles of the classical period in more comprehensive ways.
—Lauren Gallow, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
Consumers the survey interviewed in December were much more likely to reference tariffs spontaneously, though that was largely driven by Democrats.
—Elyse Apel | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Jan. 2025
The district's design also subtly references the roofs of the traditional Chinese temples of Xi'an.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
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Though the police report was made public in November, sources said members of the Senate Armed Services Committee were seeking any evidence beyond what was included in the report, as well as any documents containing legal analysis or recommendations.Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2025
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For her recreation, Roan maintained the integrity of the source material, bravely committing to the bit as purple icy sludge sails into view from off camera and splashes her in the face.Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Manners’ combination of private sector achievement with his passionate support of libertarianism is a way to pivot to someone Manners holds in high regard, Sir Antony Fisher (1915-1988).John Tamny, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
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Some fans might be surprised to see minor league Yankees employees in high demand, as not everyone in the public sphere views their recent player development history in the highest regard.Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Columbia Pictures film, Saturday Night, documenting the American sketch show’s first broadcast arrived in October.Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2025
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Students in the course must experiment with chatbots and document their prompts while generating a 1,000-word essay proposing a change to Trinity’s campus or curriculum that’s written entirely by AI.Brad Tuttle, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Public mourners gathered in Washington for Carter Members of the public paid their respects to Carter this week, as the late president was lying in state from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning.John Bacon, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
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In the final moments before he was interred, admirers lined the streets of Plains to pay their respects.Bailey Richards, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near reference
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
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