reference 1 of 2

noun

ˈre-fərn(t)s How to pronounce reference (audio)
Definition of referencenext
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

Relevance
2
as in regard
relation to or concern with something specified this reply is in reference to your last question

Synonyms & Similar Words

reference

2 of 2

verb

as in to source

Related Words

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 reference
Noun
Before any cymbal leaves the factory, a shokunin strikes it and listens, comparing its sound against a pristine reference by ear. — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026 For her, experience gives a filmmaker more than a collection of visual references. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
Other domestic utilities seeking to deploy the BWRX-300 can now reference this permit. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026 However, these agreements do not reference the facility or otherwise indicate that ICE approved the state of Florida to use it as an immigration detention facility,’ the report stated. — Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
  1. source
  2. regard
  3. document
  4. respect
Noun
  • Mobile is obtaining water from an unapproved non-potable water source/hydrant.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • An October 7 analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), drawing on more than 90 Chinese-language sources, traces that process from battlefield observation to publicly visible changes in Chinese preparations.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of source
Noun
  • Concerns that the administration is outrunning the courts The judges’ frustrations have also centered on the speed with which the administration is pushing ahead on the projects with little regard for the approvals needed to pursue such work.
    — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Mobile QBs have been a weakness for this defense all year — and the 6-foot-6 McKee didn’t pose much of a threat in this regard.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of regard
Verb
  • OutKick reporter Matt Calkins, who was credentialed for the match, attempted to document the confrontation but was also subjected to verbal and physical aggression.
    — Matt Calkins , Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Each stage of the transformation has been documented to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry, precision and human craftsmanship required to bring a diamond of this scale to life.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of document
Noun
  • In addition to outdoor play, the research supports pairing the outdoor time with a 15-minute daily lesson of social-emotional learning that teaches students about empathy, respect and self-esteem.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026
  • In this respect this limited expansion differed fundamentally from the chain stores that flourished from the 1990s.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of respect

Phrases Containing reference

Browse Nearby Words

referees
reference
referenced
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on reference

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reference

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of milieu

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
different halloween monsters in silhouette
A Monstrous Vocab Quiz Words That Go Bump in the Night
See All