1
as in specifying
to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically
try not to refer to the recent death of her aunt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in going (to)
to use or seek out as a source of aid, relief, or advantage
she studied so she wouldn't have to refer to the book during the exam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referring (to)
Verb
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The changes were initiated by the Homeland Security Department, the current official said, without specifying which cities were impacted.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
28 Oct. 2025 -
Without specifying the countries of origin, the Russian Defense Ministry said foreign fighter jets were scrambled to identify the Russian aircraft on parts of their flight, adding that the flight was in strict compliance with international airspace rules.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Mikie Sherrill, the successful Democratic candidate for governor of New Jersey, made freezing electric rates a centerpiece of her victorious campaign, and got huge applause in mentioning the issue in her victory speech.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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The magazine writes that Cincinnati has one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the region, as well, mentioning our beloved chili.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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That wasn’t what was supposed to happen without consulting with the teams prior to spotting the ball, according to league rules.—
DIAMOND VENCES,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Jan. 2026
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Keselburg said the consulting firm found that there was a perception of not enough parking due to a significant majority of spots along College being taken at peak evening hours.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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According to Fox 5, citing a flight expert, the unusual incident may not have been the result of a hard landing, but a possible malfunction in the aircraft’s automatic braking system.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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Assembly budget advisor Jason Sisney said the state government was in better financial straits than anticipated, citing data from the State Controller’s Office.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Or noticing that your hands feel inexplicably stiff and swollen, making simple tasks like opening a jar or even typing feel unusually difficult.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
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The second witness went inside for safety, then re-emerged, noticing the brothers were fighting, court records state.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While speaking, Mamdani went into the archives of Indian history, quoting its first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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His victory speech was bold and defiant, even beginning by quoting Eugene Debs, a committed socialist who created the Socialist Party of America.—
Domenico Montanaro,
NPR,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Later Saturday, the FDC issued a news release about the new cases at Tomoka, noting that everyone with symptoms is being tested and isolated, and all inmates have been given masks and are being monitored by medical staff.—
Shirsho Dasgupta,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
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In the end, the standard-boat cabin had 400 stickies noting upgrades and modifications Revolution wanted.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The interdisciplinary approach brought the duke’s life and death to a stunning clarity — indicating how analyses can shed new light on age-old mysteries, even murders.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
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Three had New England winning by one score while three had Tampa Bay winning by one score, indicating that contest may be one of the most exciting of Week 10.—
Jacob Camenker,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Referring (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referring%20%28to%29. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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