Thesaurus results for SOURCE

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

source 1 of 2

noun

ˈsȯrs

Definition of source

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

as in headwater

the beginning part of a stream 19th-century explorers who sought the source of the Nile

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Related 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

What’s also clear is the military sees the potential of nuclear as the most reliable and steady power source for the future. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026 The investigation into the events that surrounded the discovery of Jalen Hurts' blood clots has begun in earnest and there is 'no timetable for completion', a source told OutKick on Sunday. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Verb

Spain also proposed new data center rules this summer, requiring data centers to source 80% of their electricity from renewables. — April Roach,jenny Lee, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026 Regulations introduced a year ago require mines to source a higher share of core goods and services locally. — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for source

Recent Examples of Synonyms for source

Noun

Theoretical arguments suggest that a substantial part, if not all, of the randomness in the world is of quantum origin.

— Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
For anyone who grinds fresh every morning and chases single-origin lots, online talk about mold and mycotoxins in coffee tends to raise a practical question about how the stuff gets onto beans in the first place.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of origin

Noun

Congress rolled back protections for the Boundary Waters, opening the door to mining in its headwaters.

— Mary Beth Laughton, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
According to the post, Kentucky State Police Aviation saw smoke in the area, and wardens and search and rescue personnel were able to access the location, near the headwaters of Cave Run Lake, using a boat.

— Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of headwater

Noun

Their art selection is peppered with Alexander Calder mobiles, Ellsworth Kelly canvases, and Gerhard Richter paintings, works that offer plenty of reference material, naturally.

— Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Investigators found antisemitic messages and other items in Horn's car and storage unit, including a journal containing references to Nazism and white supremacy.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of reference

Noun

The space, inspired by traditional Andalusian patios (complete with Mudejar-style fountains and orange trees), is a lovely retreat in the heart of the city.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
The sunny front porch, which overlooks a community fountain and gazebo on a stretch of land that replicates a New England town green, only adds to its appeal.

— James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of fountain

Noun

Reid on Wednesday remembered a player who embraced his rural roots — Bailey grew up in Hog Hammock on Sapelo Island off the Georgia coast — and offered, ahem, a culinary tip.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
The goddesses in these paintings have a serene air, with roots firmly anchored in the earth, but also a crown of leaves that sway with the wind.

— Tatiane de Assis, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of root

Noun

Expect some traffic back-ups at the beginning and end of the game as parking lots empty and drivers hit the road in what is a construction zone on highways running through downtown.

— Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Advertisement At the beginning of May, separatists turned in a petition with hundreds of thousands of signatures to push for a vote on leaving Canada, while opponents collected signatures in support of staying.

— Chantelle Lee, Time, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of beginning

Browse Nearby Words

sour

source

sourcebook

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Style

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

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Synonyms of source

noun

verb

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