source 1 of 2

noun

ˈsȯrs How to pronounce source (audio)
Definition of sourcenext
1
as in origin
a point or place at which something is invented or provided we were uncertain as to the source of the rumors a source of inspiration

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in headwater
the beginning part of a stream 19th-century explorers who sought the source of the Nile

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in reference
something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information the professor asked the students to have at least five different sources for their papers

Synonyms & Similar Words

source

2 of 2

verb

as in to reference

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word source distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of source are inception, origin, and root. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile
the source of recurrent trouble

When is inception a more appropriate choice than source?

While in some cases nearly identical to source, 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 source?

The words origin and source are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When can root be used instead of source?

While the synonyms root and source are close in meaning, root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

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 source
Noun
The source of the photos, who requested anonymity, slammed Nanos for attending the game while the search continues. —Peter D'abrosca , Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026 Willingham returned from lunch, then went from his secluded office to the locked evidence room, which he was not authorized to enter, multiple sources with knowledge of the events told CNN. —Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
The hotel works with local farmers to source organic ingredients, including all natural protein products void of antibiotics and steroids. —Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026 The Pedrazas source their chocolate from 3,500-year-old trees in Chiapas in southeast Mexico. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for source
Recent Examples of Synonyms for source
  1. origin
  2. headwater
  3. reference
  4. fountain
  5. root
  6. cradle
  7. beginning
Noun
  • Bauer proposed an amendment to state that a government body shouldn’t take action to prohibit, deny, restrict or interfere with the right to marry based on race, color, ethnicity or national origin.
    — Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Though the term has a rich history in hockey, its origins lie in cricket.
    — Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of origin
Noun
  • The Flint River — whose headwaters begin in East Point as a small stream — flows through pipes under the airport and emerges as a larger stream on the south side of the airfield.
    — Nick Caloway, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Record-low snowpack in the Colorado River headwaters in central and northern Colorado suggests nature is unlikely to give negotiators breathing room.
    — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
Definition of headwater
Noun
  • The concept can also be called influence, echo, reference, etc.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The library functions as a growing catalog of extremophile organisms found in permafrost — a biological reference collection that didn’t exist until this research began building it.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of reference
Noun
  • The town square's sunken fountain was replaced with artificial turf, more seating, public art and a large LED screen for sports events and other broadcasts.
    — Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • But this new permanent menu item layers the fountain beverages and ice cream rather than blending them together.
    — Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of fountain
Noun
  • While neighboring vineyards resorted to grafting their vines onto pest-resistant American roots, DRC used various intensive strategies to keep its original European vines intact, at least until the 1940s.
    — Pin Yen Tan 9 min ago, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • In 2017, McRae went back to her YouTube roots and uploaded a video of herself singing an original ballad.
    — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • From the digital creations that power our modern world to the bridges that span these waters, the Bay Area has always been the American cradle of invention.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
  • O’Connor proves herself up to the task by eschewing the traditional cradle-to-grave narrative, peppered with interviews with those who knew the protagonist.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of cradle
Noun
  • Intertextuality is described by Scarlett Barton in perhaps the opposite way, as linked to Roland Barthes’ observation that the author is dead, and that the text is the dissolution of every kind of voice, every beginning and core.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
  • This approach may appeal to taxpayers who want more personalized guidance at the beginning of the tax relief process before deciding how to proceed.
    — Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of beginning

Browse Nearby Words

sour
source
sourcebook
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Cite this Entry

“Source.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/source. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of source for Spanish Speakers

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