reference 1 of 2

noun

ˈre-fərn(t)s How to pronounce reference (audio)
Definition of referencenext
1
as in source
something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information the author's argument is interesting, but the lack of references makes me wonder if it can be proven

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in regard
relation to or concern with something specified this reply is in reference to your last question

Synonyms & Similar Words

reference

2 of 2

verb

as in to source

Related Words

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 reference
Noun
The team benchmarked all four HyperFuel grades against a standard commercial reference gasoline composed of 60 percent reformate and 40 percent fluid catalytic cracking gasoline by volume. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026 Better rankings produced more discovery, discovery created more links and references, and those signals made subsequent pages easier to rank. — Mat Golubovic, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
The first leadership decision is determining which knowledge has the greatest effect on customer response and business risk, and how it can be structured in ways that AI systems can reference when producing content. — Georg Ell, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Defense attorneys also should not be able to reference the felony charges dismissed after video showed agents’ falsehoods. — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
  1. source
  2. regard
  3. document
  4. respect
Noun
  • The San Diego Padres will call up top catching prospect Ethan Salas when rosters expand Tuesday, a team source told The Athletic on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the move.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • From February through July 2026, ELG exceeded its plan by approximately $400 million of gross merchandise value, sources said.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of source
Noun
  • With Adults, being funny is what matters most, and in that regard, this is a very promising premiere.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Judges have shown little regard for NCAA arguments about the competitive harm these decisions will have on current players.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of regard
Verb
  • They are well documented in insects and other animals, and some pheromones do not have a discernible scent, Scientific American explained.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Another stunning composite view of last night's lunar shenanigans was taken by Kohinoor Kar, who documented the transformation of the lunar disk from full Sturgeon Moon to an eclipsed near-blood moon from Phoenix, Arizona.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of document
Noun
  • The latter quickly earned respect in the NFL, scoring three touchdowns in six games as a rookie with the Miami Dolphins, before eventually latching on with the Colts in 2024.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • With all due respect to Han Solo, anyone who’s listened to Ford speak about his two most iconic roles knows Indy holds a particularly special place in his heart.
    — Frank DeRuggiero, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of respect

Phrases Containing reference

Browse Nearby Words

referees
reference
referenced
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Cite this Entry

“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reference

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reference

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