source 1 of 2

1
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

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
For revenue from conference media deals, the department’s biggest source of income, the Seminoles projected $44.4 million in 2024 and $49.9 million in 2025, followed by a large jump to $78.9 million in 2026. Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 5 Mar. 2025 Our fact-check sources Matt Reagan, Feb. 20, Phone interview with USA TODAY Thank you for supporting our journalism. Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
In the case of a car, that could mean the majority of its parts were sourced domestically and that it was assembled in the U.S. Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025 The organization cites the following information on its website sourced from the Population Reference Bureau and World Bank: When women learn, families live healthier lives. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for source
Recent Examples of Synonyms for source
Noun
  • The eight-episode season is an origin story for the titular king, beginning with a flash forward to his showdown with Goliath (Martyn Ford) before rewinding to his days as a humble shepherd.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The duet finds both musicians singing lyrics seemingly inspired by the origin of their relationship.
    Jack Irvin, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Over the course of three days, more than 30 inches of rain had fallen in Busick, 7 miles away near the South Toe’s headwaters.
    USA TODAY Graphics team, USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Through a series of 31 interactive exhibits, visitors journey down the Fraser River to the headwaters of the Upper Colorado River Basin, where water is diverted across the Continental Divide into metro Denver.
    Gigi Ragland, The Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Gogol himself does not give a reference to where the play happens.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that when the price of a good or service is agreed upon without any reference to VAT, the agreed price is considered VAT-inclusive.
    Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Upscale features The upscale home’s perks start with a park-like front yard, where a peaceful pond and bridge, grassy areas and a stunning fountain make for a great spot for outdoor picnics — without ever leaving home.
    David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Before a recent game, Harden sat at his locker and looked over at Hyland who had his braided hair in a ponytail on top of his head, spraying out like a fountain.
    Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • But in 2018, Dr. Scerri and her colleagues challenged the idea that East African grasslands were the single cradle of humanity.
    Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • All of this sits on a double cradle structure and dual backbone which helps with light sports riding and stability at high speeds by fusing suppleness and stability.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Related article ‘An agenda to control you’: How climate solutions got sucked into a fevered culture war Experts say the roots of the shift toward far-right parties can be traced back years.
    Laura Paddison, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025
  • This allergy medication targets the root of the problem that causes red, scaly and itchy skin.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Post has been dating Christy Lee since the beginning of this year, sources told the outlet.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2025
  • For example, in the experiment, oaths were more effective when they were placed at the end, just before participants reported their income, rather than at the very beginning of the game.
    IESE Business School, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The 1-minute, -25-second video features imagery of empty recording studios, with the names of the album’s tracks in a bold white font above the video.
    Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Though the shoes are nude, the styles include Jimmy Choo and Jean Paul Gaultier written across them in a newsprint font.
    Mikelle Street, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Source.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/source. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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