ROOT Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'root' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of root are inception , origin , and source . While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned. // the real root of the violence

Q: When would 'inception' be a good substitute for 'root'?

While the synonyms inception and root are close in meaning, 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 'root'?

The synonyms origin and root are sometimes interchangeable, but 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: Where would 'source' be a reasonable alternative to 'root'?

In some situations, the words source and root are roughly equivalent. However, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being. // the source of the Nile // the source of recurrent trouble

root 1 of 2

noun

ˈrüt

Definition of root next

as in source

a point or place at which something is invented or provided he insists that insecurity is the root of all jealousy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in origin

the source from which something grows or develops one would need to go back at least several hundred years to find the root of the entrenched hostility between the neighboring nations

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in foundation

an immaterial thing upon which something else rests an implicit trust in the wisdom of the people is the root of democracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in kernel

the central part or aspect of something under consideration at root, it's a question of the proper limits, if any, of free speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

root

2 of 2

verb

as in to embed

to set solidly in or as if in surrounding matter rooted the post securely in the dirt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word root distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of root are inception, origin, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When would inception be a good substitute for root?

While the synonyms inception and root are close in meaning, 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 root?

The synonyms origin and root are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Where would source be a reasonable alternative to root?

In some situations, the words source and root are roughly equivalent. However, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile

the source of recurrent trouble

Examples 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 root

Noun

Thyroid medication or other types of drugs may help treat the root cause of these issues. —

Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024 The root of this film has to do with our relationship to the land and to one another. —

Marta Balaga, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024

Verb

Paltrow spent much of the hour after her arrival rooted under the single branch of a pine tree, one of the few spots of shade in sight, and when the Jacquemus team confiscated parasols and water glasses—believed to look ugly on camera—guests began to feel like movie extras on a desert shoot. —

Nathan Heller, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024 The do-not advice covers rooting or jailbreaking your phone, clicking unknown links or opening unknown attachments. —

Davey Winder, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for root

Recent Examples of Synonyms for root

Noun

The general public has been convinced that cultural diversity is the only way to achieve DEI, only to further divide people and divert attention from the real source of DEI: economics.

Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Chickpeas, sesame seeds, and dark green vegetables, such as kale, arugula, and broccoli, are good sources of calcium.

Jianying Zhang, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024