ROOT Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

root 1 of 2

noun

ˈrüt

Definition of root next

as in source

a point or place at which something is invented or provided he insists that insecurity is the root of all jealousy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

as in foundation

an immaterial thing upon which something else rests an implicit trust in the wisdom of the people is the root of democracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in kernel

the central part or aspect of something under consideration at root, it's a question of the proper limits, if any, of free speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

root

2 of 2

verb

as in to embed

to set solidly in or as if in surrounding matter rooted the post securely in the dirt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Keep the cutting in the vase until the roots are several inches long. —

Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Feb. 2025 Nacho—assisted by his sisters Esther and Sandra, along with his nephew Jesús—runs the restaurant and brings forth a menu that honors his roots while showcasing the richness of Asturias. —

Jenn Rice, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2025

Verb

And while Victor’s film might be rooted specifically in Agnes’ story and the bad thing at its center, in its specificity, there’s still tremendous room for wider recognition and revelation. —

Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 1 Feb. 2025 Presumably, Taylor Swift will be present again, rooting on her boyfriend. —

Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for root

Recent Examples of Synonyms for root

Noun

The document shows Patel drew income from an unusual range of sources — the Embassy of Qatar, Shein and a California company that rents out metal storage tanks.

— Brian Slodysko, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025
The enmity is partially driven by perception troubles, according to city, county and state sources.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025