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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reference
Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Jonesing for the new Alien show Probably the most on-the-nose reference here is the cat itself, an obvious call-back to Ripley's cat Jonesey from the original Alien movie.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Lily Templeton, WWD, 13 Mar. 2025
Goyal referenced Apple’s success when pitching U.S. semiconductor companies to expand into India.
—Seema Mody, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
Boesky wanted to show what Mckinney’s references were visually to collectors, rather than just explaining it.
—Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Jonesing for the new Alien show Probably the most on-the-nose reference here is the cat itself, an obvious call-back to Ripley's cat Jonesey from the original Alien movie.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
The brand’s new collection leaned more on the former reference, overall referencing the Cité Radieuse revolutionary building designed by Le Corbusier in Marseille, in its use of semi-precious gemstones in bold, primary colors set on curved silhouettes.
—Lily Templeton, WWD, 13 Mar. 2025
Goyal referenced Apple’s success when pitching U.S. semiconductor companies to expand into India.
—Seema Mody, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
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Rodents Mice and rats are highly allergenic and are common sources of asthma triggers through their saliva, urine, feces, and skin.—
Nancy LeBrun,
Verywell Health,
17 Mar. 2025
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Production has yet to begin, but sources told Variety that White has been spending time in Thailand scoping out sites.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Modern businesses make hiring and firing decisions primarily based on financial targets and market trends, with little regard for your tenure.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
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But whales and other marine mammals like seals also help in this regard by releasing tons of nutrient-rich fecal matter into those waters.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
Ars Technica,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Lone wolves have been documented traveling as far as 500 miles in search of new territory.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
21 Mar. 2025
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The rain saturated the soils on mountainsides, and the U.S. Geological Survey documented more than 2,000 landslides.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA TODAY,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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On Sunday, Trump said the U.S. is going through a transitional period with respect to his trade policy.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
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Shown together, the red dress and olive coat telegraph sophistication, respect — and absolute privilege.—
Samantha Conti,
WWD,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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