root 1 of 2

Definition of rootnext
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as in origin
the source from which something grows or develops one would need to go back at least several hundred years to find the root of the entrenched hostility between the neighboring nations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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root

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word root distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of root are inception, origin, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When would inception be a good substitute for root?

While the synonyms inception and root are close in meaning, inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When is it sensible to use origin instead of root?

The synonyms origin and root are sometimes interchangeable, but origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

Where would source be a reasonable alternative to root?

In some situations, the words source and root are roughly equivalent. However, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile
the source of recurrent trouble

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 root
Noun
And that without this European environment and these European roots, the economic outlook is, at the very least, clouded. Mike Sheen, CNBC, 3 July 2026 Best Things to Do McKee Botanical Garden Filled with water lilies and tropical plants, McKee Botanical Garden is a lush oasis with roots dating back to the 1930s. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
Verb
That is partly rooted in the aforementioned co-op laws and historic-preservation regulations. Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 Two issues rooted in his previous employment as DeSantis’ chief of staff could be major factors. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for root
Recent Examples of Synonyms for root
Noun
  • The source claimed that the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star checked into the facility voluntarily.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
  • Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are expected to take over Madison Square Garden for two events celebrating their wedding, ABC News and CNN reported on June 30, citing sources familiar with the plans.
    Charlie Carballo, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • The census ancestry and origin data are estimates based on a sample of the population and include margins of error that can be large for small population groups.
    Albert Sun, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Understanding the origin of life requires addressing a collection of overlapping scientific questions.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Caracas, Venezuela — Venezuela was broken long before two back-to-back earthquakes ripped the country from its foundations last Wednesday.
    Max Saltman, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • The foundation recommended ballot curing programs that speed up the process by utilizing a secure text platform when double checking whether a ballot is legitimate when a voter’s signature doesn’t match state records.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • The core party at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will feature performances by acts including the Smashing Pumpkins, Maren Morris and Anthony Ramos, according to the America 250 website.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The most severe risk is heat stroke, which occurs when the body's cooling mechanism fails entirely, potentially driving core body temperatures to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within minutes.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • With Claude Tag, Anthropic hopes to ease some of these burdens by simplifying the product and embedding it where companies already operate day-to-day.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 June 2026
  • Now, risk is embedded in day-to-day operations.
    Laurent Charpentier, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • The club retired the cradle of Louis XIV from its badge—a symbol of Saint-Germain as a suburban town 20 kilometers outside Paris, where the kings once lived.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 June 2026
  • However, the country’s history draws parallels with Atlanta’s own identity as a cradle of civil rights activism.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Prior to the trial beginning, the judge agreed that questions about Brown’s felony conviction for his 2009 assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna would be barred from testimony.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 1 July 2026
  • June was a frenetic month for the metro Atlanta restaurant scene, driven in part by a flurry of downtown openings timed to the beginning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Dominic Canzone and Randy Arozarena walked to load the bases with one out before Josh Naylor struck out swinging.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) evaluates transgender student participation on a case-by-case basis, generally supporting inclusion while lacking a statewide legislative ban.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Root.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/root. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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