1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
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
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 root
Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025
The root causes rarely relate to inferior employees, but most often are tied to poor policy, incapable work processes and bad management.
—Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2025
Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
And how could anybody root against the town of Kansas City — one of the NFL’s smallest markets; a neighborly city in America’s heartland filled with loyal, passionate and classy fans.
—Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for root
Noun
By targeting the root cause, that is dormant hair follicles, the treatment has a more complete effect as opposed to what is currently being offered, which only slows down the process of hair loss.
—Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025
The root causes rarely relate to inferior employees, but most often are tied to poor policy, incapable work processes and bad management.
—Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
That onslaught quieted the very pro-Finland crowd full of Canadians eager to root against their country’s biggest hockey rival.
—Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
And how could anybody root against the town of Kansas City — one of the NFL’s smallest markets; a neighborly city in America’s heartland filled with loyal, passionate and classy fans.
—Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for root
Recent Examples of Synonyms for root
Noun
-
Our fact-check sources Matt Reagan, Feb. 20, Phone interview with USA TODAY Thank you for supporting our journalism.—
Kate S. Petersen,
USA TODAY,
22 Feb. 2025
-
That’s not to make mention of the Boston Red Sox, who completed their offseason with a three-year, $120 million agreement with Alex Bregman, a league source confirmed to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome on Wednesday.—
Tim Britton,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The eight-episode season is an origin story for the titular king, beginning with a flash forward to his showdown with Goliath (Martyn Ford) before rewinding to his days as a humble shepherd.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Carrie Underwood is set to remind people of her American Idol origin story ahead of getting behind the judging desk.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
To this end, the foundation’s project ArtColLab is based precisely on these assumptions.—
Luisa Zargani,
WWD,
21 Feb. 2025
-
The proposal envisioned reducing funding for those indirect costs to a 15 percent rate to all institutions that receive funds, which a lawyer for the government said was in line with that of private foundations.—
Zach Montague,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Simultaneously, issues with pushing Rust code into the Linux kernel were brewing.—
Kevin Purdy,
Ars Technica,
14 Feb. 2025
-
There’s a small kernel of wisdom in what Dallas did, perhaps.—
John Hollinger,
The Athletic,
12 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
What’s more, she’s now embedded in a family of vampires who keep emphasizing how good her blood smells.—
Lincee Ray,
EW.com,
22 Feb. 2025
-
Some companies, such as Unilever and Microsoft, have adopted inclusive talent and leadership development frameworks without explicitly labeling them as DEI programs, ensuring their principles remain embedded without drawing unnecessary political backlash. 4.—
Esade Business & Law School,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Imagine visitors from around the world paying tribute to the cradle of civilization, enjoying all of Syria's majestic nature and history in safety and security.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
21 Feb. 2025
-
His lightning-quick, single-leg takedown went right into a cradle.—
Kevin J. Farmer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The Premier League also suspended its six-year deal with Match TV, a Russian broadcaster, that was due to start at the beginning of the 2022-23 season.—
Dan Sheldon,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
-
At the beginning of the Olympics, for the U.S., there were no stakes.—
Ken Dryden,
The Atlantic,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Losses per share widened to 64 cents on a diluted basis, from 3 cents in the year-earlier quarter.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Operating profit, meanwhile, soared 49.5% and 55% on a reported and underlying basis respectively, to £2.9 million and £2.5 billion.—
Royston Wild,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Root.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/root. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share