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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Recent Examples of reference
Susannah Cahalan, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025
Defense officials have directed military forces to scrub websites of diversity, equity, and inclusion references and to remove from military academy libraries literature and history books that the administration deems harmful to unity.
—Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Apr. 2025
Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 18 Apr. 2025
Maldonado, of Puerto Rican heritage, unabashedly references his culture and the [pre-colonial Puerto Rican] flag in every line.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
Rosemary remained mum about the Kennedys’ involvement, though there are references to secret meetings with them all over her letters.
—Susannah Cahalan, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025
Defense officials have directed military forces to scrub websites of diversity, equity, and inclusion references and to remove from military academy libraries literature and history books that the administration deems harmful to unity.
—Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
That collection features a color palette inspired by the relaxed aesthetic of the south of France: terracotta, almond, pale pink and ecru as well as more bold hues of hot pink, green, yellow and the brand’s signature Mer blue intended to reference the Côte d’Azur.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 18 Apr. 2025
Maldonado, of Puerto Rican heritage, unabashedly references his culture and the [pre-colonial Puerto Rican] flag in every line.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
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Tesla's lower-cost Model Y: US launch pushed back as sources reveal production challengesNeed a break?—
Mike Scarcella,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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What To Know The man was on the fifth floor of Trump Tower and in an emotionally disturbed state, The New York Daily News reported, citing a police source.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The move from Butler to Wiggins has been damaging in that regard.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
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The draft does not set up in the Bengals’ favor in that regard, and analyzing their strategy to attack the positions could provide the storyline everyone ends up talking about with new coordinator Al Golden’s defense in August.—
Paul Dehner Jr.,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Over 30 years, the Bahamas research group had documented 26 different marine mammal species, according to Executive Director Diane Claridge.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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Cheetah will document all oil received at the site.—
Phil Rockrohr,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Yet the score itself is treated with perfect respect.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
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In these respects, an ESOP operates as a tax-free trust.—
Gerry Spitzer,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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