refer

verb

ri-ˈfər How to pronounce refer (audio)
Definition of refernext
as in to apply
to have a relation or connection I don't think that rule of play refers to this particular situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 refer McConnell referred further inquiries about the incident to ICE. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 Justice Brett Kavanaugh quickly rejected the appeal without seeing any need to refer it to his colleagues, and the matter appeared to be closed—for an hour or so, anyway. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 Cases referred for review may never result in litigation, and complaints that are filed do not necessarily lead to citizenship revocation. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 The Fed referred questions about the committee to Cook's attorneys. — Matt Peterson,luke Fountain, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refer
  1. apply
  2. relate
  3. pertain
Verb
  • The approach applies manufacturing practices to research and development, allowing engineers and machinists to modify components and processes quickly as designs evolve.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Al Hassan wants renewal to happen automatically without needing to apply.
    — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of apply
Verb
  • His interview with O’Donnell relates his story—a faulty parachute, a tough crash, a long bloody hike, and survival until he was rescued by an American plane—in a genuinely moving way.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The high amount of overtime at the mental health department is related mainly to nurses working at the state’s mental health hospitals, Whiting and Connecticut Valley Hospital, which are both in Middletown.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of relate
Verb
  • As the noise around college football continues to get louder pertaining to what is transpiring at Texas right now for Steve Sarkisian.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The charges pertain to allegations made by six women, spanning a decade from 1999 to 2009.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of pertain

Phrases Containing refer

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Cite this Entry

“Refer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refer. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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