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 of root in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The star ingredient's ability to deep-clean the scalp and remove buildup is ideal for clearing clogged roots and getting hair back to square one. —

Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 19 Sep. 2024 Advertisement During its early years, the venue showcased roots music and gathered a loyal clientele. —

Steve Donofrio, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024

Verb

There will need to be a dramatic uptick in performances from each side, however, with both rooted to the bottom of their respective pools. —

Sam Joseph, CNN, 1 Aug. 2024 The tendency of novels to root conflict largely in psychology, and to offer deep introspection as a way out, struck him as troubling, cutting us off from the nonhuman. —

Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for root

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'root.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.