Thesaurus results for SOURCE

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

Some common synonyms of source are inception , origin , and root . While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," source applies more often to the point where something springs into being. // the source of the Nile // the source of recurrent trouble

Q: When is 'inception' a more appropriate choice than 'source'?

While in some cases nearly identical to source , 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 'source'?

The words origin and source are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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: When can 'root' be used instead of 'source'?

While the synonyms root and source are close in meaning, root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned. // the real root of the violence

source 1 of 2

noun

ˈsȯrs

Definition of source next

as in origin

a point or place at which something is invented or provided we were uncertain as to the source of the rumors a source of inspiration

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in headwater

the beginning part of a stream 19th-century explorers who sought the source of the Nile

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in reference

something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information the professor asked the students to have at least five different sources for their papers

Synonyms & Similar Words

source

2 of 2

verb

as in to reference

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word source distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of source are inception, origin, and root. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile

the source of recurrent trouble

When is inception a more appropriate choice than source?

While in some cases nearly identical to source, 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 source?

The words origin and source are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When can root be used instead of source?

While the synonyms root and source are close in meaning, root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

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 source

Noun

Mikhail Shatsky, who helped modernize missiles launched against Ukraine, was shot dead near Moscow on December 12, a Ukrainian Defense Forces source told the Kyiv Independent. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 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

Verb

The inn has 18 rooms and suites, and an award-winning restaurant that marries Bavarian specialties with farm-fresh regional fare sourced from local Park City pastures. —

Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024 For months, Bode sourced vintage and antique ornaments, including bulbs, plastic candies, and wooden miniatures such as instruments, birds, and a sleigh. —

Elise Taylor, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for source

Recent Examples of Synonyms for source

Noun

Unfortunately, our origin stories don’t tell us how to resolve any particular ethical dispute.

Nikhil Krishnan, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
The site was once the Angola Plantations, a slave plantation owned by Isaac Franklin and named after Angola, the country of origin for many of the enslaved people who worked there.

Landon Mion, Fox News, 23 Dec. 2024