refer

verb

ri-ˈfər How to pronounce refer (audio)
Definition of refernext
as in to apply
to have a relation or connection I don't think that rule of play refers to this particular situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 refer The bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission in July referred two complaints to the Brown County district attorney's office for possible charges, saying Musk likely broke the law. — CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Channell referred comment on the settlement to a different city spokesperson Ryan Hinderman, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment. — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 When reached for comment, DHS referred USA TODAY to the State Department. — María Luisa Paúl, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 An Upper Pottsgrove Township police spokesperson referred all questions about the shooting to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office. — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refer
  1. apply
  2. relate
  3. pertain
Verb
  • The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning that applies to more than 1 million people in San Diego County, mostly across inland valleys, foothills and mountains where high temperatures will approach or exceed 95 to 114 degrees.
    — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The study found the models understood concepts such as the Kelly criterion and Merton share in theory but struggled to apply appropriate risk management when making actual simulated trading decisions.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of apply
Verb
  • The process can involve repairs across propulsion, electrical and combat-related systems.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Gennaro Tomma is a freelance journalist who covers science, with a focus on the natural world, biodiversity, conservation, climate change, environmental and science-related policies, and more.
    — Gennaro Tomma, Scientific American, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of relate
Verb
  • One search of a home associated with Davis turned up mail pertaining to the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas for Orlando Anderson — Davis’ cousin and fellow Southside Crip was a person of interest in Shakur’s killing, Ladd testified, and was detained.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But technically, there is no rule pertaining to a player going from an SEC school to the NFL, and then back to another conference program within the same year.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of pertain

Phrases Containing refer

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refer
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Cite this Entry

“Refer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refer. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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