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
Rosemary remained mum about the Kennedys’ involvement, though there are references to secret meetings with them all over her letters. Susannah Cahalan, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025 Defense officials have directed military forces to scrub websites of diversity, equity, and inclusion references and to remove from military academy libraries literature and history books that the administration deems harmful to unity. Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Apr. 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
  • Constructed from Alexander Graham Bell’s simple tetrahedron cell, the Cygnet model consists of two equilateral paper triangles, connected and illuminated by a hidden light source.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Legendary is eyeing a 2026 production start, another source adds.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The move from Butler to Wiggins has been damaging in that regard.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The draft does not set up in the Bengals’ favor in that regard, and analyzing their strategy to attack the positions could provide the storyline everyone ends up talking about with new coordinator Al Golden’s defense in August.
    Paul Dehner Jr., New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The damage the Trump administration has done to science in a few short months is both well documented and incalculable, but in recent days that assault has taken an alarming twist.
    Brian Barrett, Wired News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Michael Palin, who documented the original concert in his diary, also appears.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Yet the score itself is treated with perfect respect.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In these respects, an ESOP operates as a tax-free trust.
    Gerry Spitzer, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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