refer

verb

ri-ˈfər How to pronounce refer (audio)
Definition of refernext
as in to apply
to have a relation or connection I don't think that rule of play refers to this particular situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 refer The Attorney General’s Office referred 30 cases involving 14 priests to prosecutors, but said no criminal charges were filed because in most cases the statute of limitations on the crimes had expired. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026 While data appear to be limited, recent publications from specialized MS centers suggest that around 30% of those originally referred for MS were eventually diagnosed with another disease. — Lindsay Karp, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026 The physician referred him to a neurologist who noted cognitive impairment, possibly due to exposure to multiple toxins at the Hanford Site. — Lizz Giordano, ProPublica, 22 Oct. 2026 Customs and Border Protection officers referred him for a secondary inspection, during which Homeland Security Investigations personnel examined an Apple iPhone in his possession. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refer
  1. apply
  2. relate
  3. pertain
Verb
  • New safety requirements apply What sets the aircraft apart is its enhanced angle-of-attack system, which Boeing plans to introduce across the 737 MAX family.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The boy was a soccer player who was enchanted by the idea of camping in the woods; Charlotte was bright and cheery, sometimes applying glitter to her father’s mustache.
    — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of apply
Verb
  • Philbrick relates all this less as history than as a stage play.
    — Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The project also reflects the increasing importance of reliable manufacturing capacity in industries that depend on sophisticated electronic, sensing and space-related technologies.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of relate
Verb
  • While that news pertains to an individual’s potential tax bill, Meta’s quarterly report shows just how low the company’s tax bill might be.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • As the noise around college football continues to get louder pertaining to what is transpiring at Texas right now for Steve Sarkisian.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of pertain

Phrases Containing refer

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Cite this Entry

“Refer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refer. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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