source 1 of 2

1
2
as in headwater
the beginning part of a stream 19th-century explorers who sought the source of the Nile

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in reference
something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information the professor asked the students to have at least five different sources for their papers

Synonyms & Similar Words

source

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word source distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of source are inception, origin, and root. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile
the source of recurrent trouble

When is inception a more appropriate choice than source?

While in some cases nearly identical to source, 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 source?

The words origin and source are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When can root be used instead of source?

While the synonyms root and source are close in meaning, root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

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 source
Noun
They are linked to a single source, the county health department said June 9. Devi Shastri, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025 But now in late May, insider Jeff Sneider and John Rocha discussed the report again, saying that trustworthy sources said that the plan was for The Punisher was to join forces with Spider-Man to fight against The Hulk. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Verb
The funding necessary for this initiative will be sourced from various revenue streams generated by the universities. Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025 The information found within this article has been gathered according to The Athletic’s sourcing guidelines. Gregg Evans, New York Times, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for source
Recent Examples of Synonyms for source
Noun
  • In conversation with Forbes Life, Stoddard speaks about her travels during her research, the origins of ralli and the future of this age-old, beautiful craft.
    Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • The movie charts the influential British rock group's origin story in the late 1960s, from their earliest days – and how everybody wasn't all about that now-iconic name – to their meteoric rise as one of the world's biggest bands.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • After hatching in 2000, 1018 was brought to Florida and released alongside seven others in 2001 near headwaters to the Everglades.
    Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
  • As bodies of water, rivers already have headwaters, mouths and arms.
    Valorie Castellanos Clark, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Biden’s sweeping executive order on AI was in keeping with the lengths EU went through to create the EU AI Act, the first comprehensive legislation on AI, which included references to GDPR and the Digital Services Act that were drafted in line with the implications for artificial intelligence.
    Hessie Jones, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Trump’s executive order authorizing the deal contained several references to security of supply chains, reflecting the U.S. administration’s concerns about China.
    Jill Lawless, Fortune, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • In the pars urbana, grand villas tend to feature stately construction materials like marble; extensive mosaics and frescoes; and amenities like private baths, fountains and gardens.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 June 2025
  • Or, add an artificial water feature like a solar-powered fountain that is still at night or even shallow bowls of water to boost the firefly population.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • There’s also a separate accessory cradle to hold the combination and crevice tools, pet tool, flexible tool, and dust bags.
    Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The president was undeterred, and the flights resumed the very next day, filled with cardboard file boxes that had been repurposed into makeshift cradles.
    Jim Axelrod June 9, CBS News, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • The root of omakase is creativity, and to that end, there’s also a whole lot of uniqueness of concept found even within the omakase realm – and for fans of omakase, there’s some incredible bucket-list experiences that must be enjoyed.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • To remove invasive vines, cut them back to the ground, dig out roots when possible, and apply herbicide directly to fresh cuts with care—never spray near desirable plants.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Bulls will point to yesterday’s event as just the beginning of an exciting path of growth.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 23 June 2025
  • He’s been trying really from the beginning to bring the 10 Black mob families together.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Clients can load their own colors, fonts, logos and more to help the systems adhere to existing brand style, and the new tool can create batches of advertisements simultaneously.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 13 June 2025
  • His bag contained the script for his new film, Wes Anderson's The Phoenician Scheme, printed in an extra large font for easy reading.
    Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Source.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/source. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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