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

3
4

root

2 of 2

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
While turmeric is a root that is ground into a spice, curcumin is the main chemical compound responsible for its yellow-orange color and many of its health benefits.1 How to Use Turmeric for Weight Loss There's no exact prescription for how much turmeric to eat to lose weight. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 21 May 2025 The roots of their comfortable dynamic stem from the history of Angels GM Perry Minasian, who took over in 2020 after spending four years as an assistant GM under Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos in Atlanta; the pair also worked together for seven years in Toronto. Sam Blum, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Verb
But the Pope's rooting interest apparently might not end with baseball. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2025 Some plants are just happier if rooted directly in soil. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for root
Recent Examples of Synonyms for root
Noun
  • Charlie Davis Season: 46 Placed: 2nd If Q was the hurricane blowing through Survivor 46, Davis was a source of calm geniality at the center, constantly quoting Taylor Swift songs while obscuring his careful, clever gameplay.
    Ben Rosenstock, Time, 29 May 2025
  • In addition, with Serge Gnabry a year away from being a free agent, Leroy Sane’s contract renewal increasingly tenuous, and Kingsley Coman another likely departure, the wide forwards positions — which have so often been a source of such power — need regenerating.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Michelle Williams is a solid second, receiving some keen support from the panel, but Milioti’s rising crime boss with a brutal origin story has stolen the BuzzMeter’s heart.
    Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
  • For many New Yorkers of Mexican origin, seeing the Cuauhtémoc sail into our harbor was a proud and emotional moment.
    Eric Adams, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • When trust erodes, so does the foundation for data sharing that powers our innovation economy.
    Nick Hart, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Such knowledge, fully consistent with patriotism, provides an indispensable foundation for debates about contemporary issues.
    James T. Kloppenberg, Time, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • When beta-carotene isn't present, the kernels are pale white.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025
  • Rather than constantly chasing the newest shiny kernel of knowledge, aim for depth and breadth.
    Dennis Kozak, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Cybersecurity must be embedded into the DNA of an organization.
    Francis Dinha, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Suitable for those with little ones and pets running around, the fabric is non-absorptive, meaning spills and crumbs won’t stay embedded in its weave.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Spanning 17 autonomous regions and two small enclaves in North Africa, the country is a cradle of diverse cultures, geography, traditions, even languages.
    Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 28 May 2025
  • Bonus: There are cradles for your dumbbells, along with a tablet holder.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • The spindly youngster is at the beginning of a journey that will successively turn him into one of the most promising, one of the most unfortunate, one of the most maddening and ultimately one of the most celebrated football players in the world.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • May 29, 2025 The LPGA Tour put in place a new pace of play policy at the beginning of the current season, which seeks to reduce playing times.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Now, it’s being discussed and measured in people’s bloodwork on a more widespread basis.
    Stacey Colino, Time, 22 May 2025
  • These human rights groups were nowhere to be seen when these terrorists were violating the human rights of millions of people on a daily basis.
    Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Root.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/root. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on root

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!