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
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as in to source
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reference
EW.com, 5 June 2025
Once approved, the Davidson County Board of Education will issue a public apology and clear the student's record of any reference to racial bias, finalizing the terms of the agreement.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 6 June 2025
Throughout the novel, Rhys references Kant, De Beauvoir, Sartre, Virginia Woolf and Epictetus, among others, using knowledge as a balm and escape hatch.
—Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
The Maryland references suggest Ego's involvement here!
—EW.com, 5 June 2025
Once approved, the Davidson County Board of Education will issue a public apology and clear the student's record of any reference to racial bias, finalizing the terms of the agreement.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Verb
Another referenced a different fan-favorite role of Adam's – Ben Wyatt in Parks and Recreation.
—Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 6 June 2025
Throughout the novel, Rhys references Kant, De Beauvoir, Sartre, Virginia Woolf and Epictetus, among others, using knowledge as a balm and escape hatch.
—Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
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The likely outcome will be more paperwork on imports and burdens on small businesses, with less scrutiny at the source of production.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
8 June 2025
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As a bonus, this fast-growing ground cover provides food sources for pollinators.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
Noun
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June 2, 2025 With regard to the Liaoning's flight operations with fighter jets and helicopters, the Japan Joint Staff reported that between May 25 and 29, the Chinese aircraft carrier conducted a total of 260 takeoffs and landings while operating near Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
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The first item above gives a player margin for error with regard to the second item.—
Tony Blengino,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Verb
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Juelz’s life was documented frequently on Instagram, with an account dedicated to his adventures with Snoop.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
13 June 2025
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Over six years on the wolf project, Carter documented growth and stabilization in Idaho’s wolf population.—
Clark Corbin,
Idaho Statesman,
12 June 2025
Noun
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That same year, the FDA further eased several conditions with respect to the prescribing and sale of mifepristone.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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There’s already profound respect for what the Panthers have accomplished.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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