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
Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
The seeming reference was to Trump and his wealthy friends, especially Musk.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
John Werner, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
In the caption, the Grammy winner referenced the special role tater tots have played in her relationship.
—Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reference 
Noun
Trump’s reference to the Delta smelt centers on a decades-old water battle in California between cities, farmers and the environment.
—Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
The seeming reference was to Trump and his wealthy friends, especially Musk.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
Deep Thoughts from Francois Chollet At the end of the post, Scarfe references Francois Chollet, a renowned voice in AI research who left Google to work on the Arc prize.
—John Werner, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
In the caption, the Grammy winner referenced the special role tater tots have played in her relationship.
—Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
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Nutrition varies depending on ingredients used, but most sourdough provides a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and selenium.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
28 Jan. 2025
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Another potential source of funding could be a new, one-time discretionary block grant to school districts of $1.8 billion, Magnuson said.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In that regard, Fisch considers the NFL broadcasts on Fox (Brady) and CBS (Romo) to be invaluable learning opportunities for his quarterbacks.—
Jon Wilner,
The Mercury News,
3 Feb. 2025
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That is, their personal view of the way the world should be, with no deference to the Legislature and no regard for the victims of crime or the welfare of society.—
Timothy J. Cruz,
Boston Herald,
2 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Understanding active coral movement Armed with high-resolution time-lapse imaging, researchers observed and documented the complex biomechanics of the C. cyclolites.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN,
31 Jan. 2025
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Similarly, the game in Confessions is a way of concealing the central family history and documenting a fight over the control of women’s bodies.—
Mark Athitakis,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Beyoncé, known for her precise timing and careful planning, reportedly made the decision to hold off out of respect for those impacted.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
3 Feb. 2025
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The residuals of the Caitlin Clark Effect have been fierce competition on the floor with admiration, respect and humanity off it.—
Scott Dochterman,
The Athletic,
3 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near reference
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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