root 1 of 2

1
2
as in origin
the source from which something grows or develops one would need to go back at least several hundred years to find the root of the entrenched hostility between the neighboring nations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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root

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word root distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of root are inception, origin, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When would inception be a good substitute for root?

While the synonyms inception and root are close in meaning, inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When is it sensible to use origin instead of root?

The synonyms origin and root are sometimes interchangeable, but origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

Where would source be a reasonable alternative to root?

In some situations, the words source and root are roughly equivalent. However, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile
the source of recurrent trouble

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 root
Noun
That said, one of my favorite benefits comes from its ginger root, which improves scalp circulation to promote hair growth. Tatayana Yomary, Essence, 12 Aug. 2025 Good drainage prevents the roots from rotting, so add sand or pebbles to improve drainage. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
The room’s inclusion also serves to root Giacometti within Marseille’s Mediterranean identity. Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025 Charmingly unhinged, Nicholson is likable enough to root a little for the antagonist. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for root
Recent Examples of Synonyms for root
Noun
  • With the sharp decline in sea stars, the sea urchins that usually serve as a food source rapidly expanded in population.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The official story told by official sources, the story we’ve been trained to trust, is often a distortion, or a downright fabrication.
    Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • According to Variety, the project covering O’Connor’s origin story is being helmed by Irish production company ie: entertainment, which executive produced and worked with the singer on the 2022 O’Connor documentary Nothing Compares; O’Connor died in July 2023 at age 56 of natural causes.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025
  • But there's one part of Silverstone's origin that the actress isn't sentimental about.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The National Institutes of Health was the major funder of the study, along with grants from private foundations.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
  • For a chipmunk that is causing structural damage, such as undermining the foundation of stairs or walkways, rat-sized snap traps baited with peanut butter are effective, says Anderson.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Google also stopped publishing complete kernel modification histories and new binary drivers, further hampering independent development efforts.
    Federico Guerrini, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
  • The kernels are so juicy and just burst in your mouth.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Walmart will embed its four agents deep into its app, website, and in-store systems.
    Jason Goldberg, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Israel has frequently said its strikes on school facilities in Gaza target embedded Hamas fighters.
    Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Gel memory foam cradles your back and hips while the Plush Comfort foam also relieves pressure on your joints.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The cradles also increase air circulation on all sides, which ultimately leads to even, and therefore quicker, ripening.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • What began as one family’s search for a life in rhythm with the land has bloomed into a thriving village where 70% of the acreage has been protected under a land trust from the beginning.
    Chrissy Tracey, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Phillips said there are only three insurance companies actively insuring child care programs left in Michigan, compared with about 10 that existed at the beginning of 2024.
    Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • On a year-over-year basis, capacity numbers are still up 5 percent, the company said.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Aug. 2025
  • As such, the state is also a hub for NORAD firepower stationed at two primary bases of Fairbanks and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, where President Donald Trump is set to receive Putin on Friday.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Root.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/root. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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