1
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
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
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
4
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
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
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
Anna Spiegel, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
The latest iteration of Resident Evil, which pays homage to the original horror videogame’s roots, is ramping up for a Sept. 18, 2026 theatrical release.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2025
Tom White, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2025
Stephanie Tharpe: Clover’s success paradigm is rooted at the intersection of culture and commerce.
—Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for root
Noun
Memorabilia, cold beers and American pub fare nod to its 1940s roots, but Whitlow's is more happening than ever with live entertainment and their own tiki boat, Whitlow's on Water, docked outside.
—Anna Spiegel, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
The latest iteration of Resident Evil, which pays homage to the original horror videogame’s roots, is ramping up for a Sept. 18, 2026 theatrical release.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
In the process of interviewing the witnesses, survivors and elders, Short Bull deployed a style rooted more in the Lakota culture of storytelling than in common journalistic practice.
—Tom White, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2025
Stephanie Tharpe: Clover’s success paradigm is rooted at the intersection of culture and commerce.
—Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for root
Recent Examples of Synonyms for root
Noun
-
Rodents Mice and rats are highly allergenic and are common sources of asthma triggers through their saliva, urine, feces, and skin.—
Nancy LeBrun,
Verywell Health,
17 Mar. 2025
-
During the 1989 Tiananmen pro-democracy protests, its Chinese-language radio broadcasts became a critical source of uncensored information for the Chinese people.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
While Jubilee struck a more uplifting tone compared to past albums, For Melancholy Brunettes returns to some of the band’s moodier origins.—
Chris Malone Mendez,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The origin seems to make sense since mature toms have long, flowing snoods.—
Alice Jones Webb,
Outdoor Life,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Advocates argue that this framework has provided the foundation for decades of stability and prosperity, while critics question its fairness and relevance in today’s multipolar world.—
Andrew Latham,
The Conversation,
17 Mar. 2025
-
As an actor, singer, and dancer, Alex brings a strong foundation of skills to each performance, underpinned by his impressive preparedness and dedication to his repertoire.—
Heide Janssen,
Orange County Register,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The Linux kernel vulnerability prompted America’s cyber defense agency to mandate all federal employees to update their phones by March 25 or stop using them.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
-
Linux Kernel Update Goes Live The code has been implemented as part of the Linux kernel release version 6.13 in January.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Next, Adams encouraged hospitals to empower health care providers to have better conversations with patients and to embed public health information in every encounter.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
19 Mar. 2025
-
For chemistry - what harmful chemicals enter the world during manufacturing or are embedded within a material and are then released during use or at end of life?—
Christopher Marquis,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
From cradle to old age, this man and the Republican agenda is devastating for women.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
WWD,
5 Mar. 2025
-
At the bottom of the rear panel are two pogo pin connectors, which can charge the device's 5,000mAh battery in a cradle.—
Iyaz Akhtar,
PCMAG,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
That study ran from the end of 2012 to the beginning of 2019.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN,
19 Mar. 2025
-
The beginning really took place three or four weeks ago.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In tossing the suit out, the judge ruled that, whatever merits there might be to the complaints of the plaintiff, Sheila Slaughter Richey, there was no basis for including Showtime Networks in the suit at all, let alone as the sole defendant.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Anyone who is late for a ride (to work or elsewhere) on a regular basis is just lazy and rude.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
23 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Root.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/root. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share