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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in to source
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reference
Michael Walker, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
No more blurry, outdated pictures for servers to reference when a possible critic takes a seat at their table.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025
Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
There's also a few references that Kang and Kodos are simply hired actors in Treehouse of Horror, normalizing their position in the show and adding light and humor to the aliens, despite their penchant for world domination and evading dissection.
—Grace Dean, Space.com, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Noun
Charlton does not reference February 1958, but United’s last match pre-Munich was in the quarter-final of the European Cup, at Red Star.
—Michael Walker, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
No more blurry, outdated pictures for servers to reference when a possible critic takes a seat at their table.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
Even if no one understands the movie reference, this is still a fun look for Halloween night.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
There's also a few references that Kang and Kodos are simply hired actors in Treehouse of Horror, normalizing their position in the show and adding light and humor to the aliens, despite their penchant for world domination and evading dissection.
—Grace Dean, Space.com, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
-
As various ancient sources recount, after Achilles is killed by Paris, the Greeks resort to deception.—
Elizabeth D. Samet,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
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In the midst of tragedy came a small offering of knowledge from an unsuspecting source.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Plus, if nothing else, that win was a meaningful testament to his classmates' fond regard for him as a friend.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
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Now that their legendary predecessors have gained high regards in their own right, these younger kin are blazing their own trails.—
Mya Abraham,
VIBE.com,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Succession star documented the special occasion on Instagram a few weeks later with a collage of photos, including a close-up of her and Mason sharing a kiss outside of the courthouse.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
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The extent of damage documented in the new Science paper has surprised some outside researchers.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Her mission is to be an example of overcoming adversity, reminding the world that true success comes from working with love, respect, and shining without dimming the light of others.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
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Fabian Hurzeler’s team have had their best matches in this respect against Manchester City in August and 10-man Chelsea in September, converting five of seven big chances across both wins.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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