reference 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in regard
relation to or concern with something specified this reply is in reference to your last question

Synonyms & Similar Words

reference

2 of 2

verb

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 reference
Noun
Rudd asked, a reference to Oscar Wilde’s 1890 novel in which the titular character is kept youthful while his portrait ages. EW.com, 25 Mar. 2025 Many of the flagged items had no DEI connection aside from file names or references misidentified by automated tools. Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
The hospitality industry has been heavily targeted, with attackers impersonating Booking.com and sending fake emails referencing guest reviews or promotions. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Complexities are woven into intricate Kiefer’s work, referencing literature, poetry, philosophy, mythology, scientific theory, and mysticism, amplified by the technical layering of his massive canvases and installations. Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
  • Creating a carbon copy of the original could attract criticism for being lazy and superfluous whereas straying too far from the source material could alienate fans.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Staff members at the U.S. Institute of Peace were informed they were terminated effective immediately on Friday, five sources familiar with the situation told CBS News.
    Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • When playing outdoors, there are many choices in regards to the color of the lens.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Those occasions aren’t going away, but jewelry brands face cross-currents in that regard.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Lone wolves have been documented traveling as far as 500 miles in search of new territory.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 21 Mar. 2025
  • As Steven Pinker and other researchers have documented, global poverty has declined, life expectancy has increased, and health outcomes have improved.
    Carrie McCabe, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Ai takes an innovative approach, modernizing the production in multiple respects.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2025
  • With all respect to the opening round, this is where things get real and when March goes mad.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reference

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!