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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Recent Examples of reference
Toria Sheffield, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
Memes nowadays tend to emerge as references or reactions to something else, such as pop culture or news events, digital culture researcher Jamie Cohen said.
—Angela Yang, NBC News, 21 Dec. 2024
Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 13 Dec. 2024
The headline shown in the video is from an article that references a 2020 research paper.
—Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reference 
Noun
Moore shared photos from the event on her Instagram on Friday, Dec. 20, making a fun reference to About Last Night.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
Memes nowadays tend to emerge as references or reactions to something else, such as pop culture or news events, digital culture researcher Jamie Cohen said.
—Angela Yang, NBC News, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
Many referenced the change in presidency as a reason to get a contract across the finish line.
—Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 13 Dec. 2024
The headline shown in the video is from an article that references a 2020 research paper.
—Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reference
Noun
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With human donor organs in short supply, some researchers are exploring the use of pigs as a potential source.Emily Mullin, WIRED, 17 Dec. 2024
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Fisherman Aesthetic Trend Oceanic influences have served as an endless source of inspiration.Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
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That same year, in an interview with Hit Points, Greene spoke about blockchain in regards to Artemis being a digital space that needs to have an economy.Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 23 Dec. 2024
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On an entirely separate note, some may notice that a person behind the scenes is working against you in regards to your ideas, communication projects or contracts.Kyle Thomas, People.com, 22 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Lee's trip was not announced publicly, nor was it documented on any of his social media accounts.Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
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The Society of Actuaries’ survey Aging and Retirement Across the Generations offers perspectives on how people plan and document the challenges families face when trying to help all family members attain security.Chris Carosa, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Out of mutual respect, the club did not trigger the option of an additional year contained in the midfielder’s contract, enabling her to depart on a free.Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
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Years later, one of my cousins even stopped eating meat in my presence out of respect for my diet.Lola Méndez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near reference
Cite this Entry
“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reference. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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