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

Synonyms & Similar 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
National governments could be stepping in to make up for the abrupt withdrawal of U.S. aid, or non-governmental organizations on-the-ground could be finding other sources of funding. —Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 28 May 2025 Denim Première Vision maintained its reputation as a source for creative denim fashion. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025
Verb
For her look, Lipa seemed to source inspiration from the racetrack. —Mikelle Street, Footwear News, 25 May 2025 Fun fact: Items used on the set of Killers of the Flower Moon were sourced here. —Anne Roderique-Jones, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for source
Recent Examples of Synonyms for source
  1. origin
  2. headwater
  3. reference
  4. fountain
  5. cradle
  6. root
  7. beginning
  8. font
Noun
  • Michelle Williams is a solid second, receiving some keen support from the panel, but Milioti’s rising crime boss with a brutal origin story has stolen the BuzzMeter’s heart.
    — Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
  • For many New Yorkers of Mexican origin, seeing the Cuauhtémoc sail into our harbor was a proud and emotional moment.
    — Eric Adams, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
Definition of origin
Noun
  • The utility’s leaders defend the project and say the utility has spent $30 million across dozens of projects to offset the environmental impacts of the reservoir expansion, including stream restoration on the headwaters of the Colorado River.
    — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Its main stem flows 2,350 miles from the headwaters at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, touching 10 states and spreading out into many more with its tributaries.
    — Amy Graff, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Definition of headwater
Noun
  • The reference is to Faust, but Reubens’s fraught relationship with his alter ego reminded me of another myth: that of the creator who loses control of his creation.
    — Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
  • For reference, a brand new iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at 7,999 yuan in China.
    — Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 23 May 2025
Definition of reference
Noun
  • The iconic watchmaker Swatch opened May 2 in a 830-square-foot space at the mall’s fountain court, according to the company.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2025
  • The child was replaced, but by 1915, both figures had been stolen — and the fountain features were never restored.
    — Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2025
Definition of fountain
Noun
  • Bonus: There are cradles for your dumbbells, along with a tablet holder.
    — Sara Coughlin, SELF, 28 May 2025
  • Spanning 17 autonomous regions and two small enclaves in North Africa, the country is a cradle of diverse cultures, geography, traditions, even languages.
    — Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 28 May 2025
Definition of cradle
Noun
  • The rugged limestone walls reached to a ceiling with natural skylights, from which aerial roots of ficus trees hung like decorative drapery.
    — Erik Trinidad, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2025
  • Change the water every day or two to keep the roots healthy.
    — The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
Definition of root
Noun
  • May 29, 2025 The LPGA Tour put in place a new pace of play policy at the beginning of the current season, which seeks to reduce playing times.
    — Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • Niko first spoke publicly about his diagnosis at the beginning of 2024.
    — Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 30 May 2025
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • The headlines change their fonts, but not their message.
    — Marc Oestreich, National Review, 24 May 2025
  • Each change to the label, whether for color, font or naming, requires approval from the state, which usually takes 45-60 days.
    — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2025
Definition of font

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 3 Jun. 2025.

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