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
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as in to source
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of reference
Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
The seeming reference was to Trump and his wealthy friends, especially Musk.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
John Werner, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
In the caption, the Grammy winner referenced the special role tater tots have played in her relationship.
—Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reference 
Noun
Trump’s reference to the Delta smelt centers on a decades-old water battle in California between cities, farmers and the environment.
—Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
The seeming reference was to Trump and his wealthy friends, especially Musk.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
Deep Thoughts from Francois Chollet At the end of the post, Scarfe references Francois Chollet, a renowned voice in AI research who left Google to work on the Arc prize.
—John Werner, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
In the caption, the Grammy winner referenced the special role tater tots have played in her relationship.
—Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
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Instead, this late-stage move risks turning a critical national security priority into a source of division.—
Emil Sayegh,
Forbes,
16 Jan. 2025
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With the source of the Nile running through the city, the area attracts tourists who come to raft the river’s rapids and bungee jump over the water, and houses international charity organizations and missionaries that want to set up outside the snarled traffic of Kampala.—
Greg Presto,
The Athletic,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The order also calls on the Director of National Intelligence to do the same with regard to the intelligence community.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
TIME,
21 Jan. 2025
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The Thunder are even better-positioned than the Cavs in that regard.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The pair were seen together in June 2023, for about a month, following Swift’s split from actor Joe Alwyn (also documented on the album) and the beginning of her high-profile relationship with American footballer Travis Kelce.—
Caroline Frost,
Deadline,
19 Jan. 2025
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Chicago's police department does not document immigration status, nor share information with federal immigration authorities, said spokesman Don Terry in a statement.—
Sarah Karp,
NPR,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Similarly, Chandelier of Gruene emphasizes the importance of respect, noting that a wedding is not an opportunity for personal agendas or business dealings, as the day is meant to celebrate the couple getting married.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
22 Jan. 2025
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The Giveaway Entities reserve the right to conduct a background check, including a check of criminal records, with respect to any Entrant eligible for a prize, and by participating in this Giveaway, each participating Entrant consents to such background check.—
USA TODAY,
USA TODAY,
22 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near reference
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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