as in to apply
to have a relation or connection I don't think that rule of play refers to this particular situation

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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 refer States like Indiana are already moving to toughen truancy laws by introducing bills to tighten attendance requirements and immediately refer families for investigation in ways that can lead to prosecution of children, parents, or both. Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025 Late last month, HHS referred Harvard for debarment, which would block the institution from receiving any federal funds in the future. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025 The White House referred questions to the State Department. David Ingram, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2025 Chess has become this kind of sacred musical text that theater fans all refer back to, where everyone has their favorite cast recordings and their favorite songs. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for refer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refer
Verb
  • The chain embellishment was applied to multiple styles, be in the short pump or a taller slingback, and stood out against different colors.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Use a mop to apply the bleach solution to the floors, covering a small area at a time and working in a figure-eight or side-to-side pattern.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Frishkorn said the investigation will determine if the accident was alcohol or speed-related, but witnesses have indicated both of those may have been a factor.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The high court is already considering a separate, but related, dispute regarding National Guard deployment in Chicago where different federal court decisions have temporarily halted presidential intervention.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tie the drink’s ingredients or theme into something that pertains to the couple’s interests or history.
    Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The litigation pertains to government actions in many parts of the country.
    Mark Scolforo, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

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“Refer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refer. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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