root 1 of 2

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2
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
As the plant grows, the roots reach downward toward the water. The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025 According to Typology, apply a quarter-size amount, lather from root to ends, and massage into scalp. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
Coppola sat down with hairstylist Odile Gilbert to root through boxes of sketches and press photos of her work with Lagerfeld at Chanel. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025 These mindful connections root your body and spirit. Essence, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for root
Recent Examples of Synonyms for root
Noun
  • That's part of the 'framework' agreement for TikTok, which will also include new and existing investors in its Chinese parent company ByteDance, sources told CNBC's David Faber.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
  • As demand for electricity surged to power more electric devices in homes and Big Tech's boom in data centers, renewable energy has been the go-to source for the cheapest, fastest way to generate more juice.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The origins of Godzilla’s name may remain a mystery, but there are no secrets related to its film escapades.
    Michael Taube, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Its origins trace back to the 19th century, when the mondine sang it—female laborers in Northern Italy's rice paddies—protesting brutal working conditions and lost youth.
    Amanda Castro Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • With stars like Derek Jeter, Gerrit Cole, and many others involved, the gala raised more than $375,000 in support of the foundation’s mission.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • While some uncertainty existed about whether Hendrix intended to make his record a double or triple-disc collection, seventeen songs were issued on a single CD to lay the foundation for Experience Hendrix’s catalog refurbishment.
    Mike Alleyne Ph.D, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Or maybe comedy works best when there’s a kernel of truth to it.
    Pete Sampson, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Get the recipe > Saveur’s editor at large Shane Mitchell shared these Southern-style pancakes, which get their subtle chew from fresh corn kernels.
    SAVEUR Editors, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Israel has long accused Hamas of using civilians in Gaza as human shields, embedding military infrastructure in civilian areas – allegations Hamas has denied.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
  • To that end, some companies embed products into a digital wallet, so customers can get quotes and manage policies without ever leaving the app.
    Shefali Kapadia, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This project will also focus on creating a space with multicultural appeal, in the center of the cradle of the Renaissance.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • However, looking deep into these swirling cradles of planet formation has always been tricky.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The beginning of the evening was marked by an intimate performance on behalf of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
  • And targeting, torturing, and murdering political opponents, rivals, and critics have marked the conflict since its beginning.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Corps officials will evaluate each request on a case by case basis.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
  • This creates a better environment for fuller, stronger hair to grow—something our testers began to notice after lathering up with it on a regular basis.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Root.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/root. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

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