references 1 of 2

plural of reference
1
as in sources
something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information the author's argument is interesting, but the lack of references makes me wonder if it can be proven

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in regards
relation to or concern with something specified this reply is in reference to your last question

Synonyms & Similar Words

references

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of reference

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 references
Noun
What would have taken a novice lapsed coder like me hours of time struggling with physics models and code references was already in a functional, ready-to-test state with minimal effort. Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 GPTZero investigation published 14 May 2026 found 16 of 27 citations fabricated, misattributed, or broken, including references to Forbes, McKinsey, Gartner, TechCrunch, and WIRED. Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The movie goes big on the ‘80s tropes for laughs, including over-the-top costumes and era-specific references, but the love story at its heart is timeless. Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026 Over time, those deeply personal references have transcended biography to become one of luxury’s most visible languages. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 29 Aug. 2026 Shifting emphasis moving into the general election A number of Republicans have removed or downplayed references to Trump from their websites after winning their primaries. Steve Peoples, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 Co-written by Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli and director Tye Blue, the gloriously unhinged spoof has been packed with pop culture references, internet jokes and Easter eggs since its Off-Broadway debut in 2022. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 The lawsuit references sworn affidavits from Reginald Wayne’s ex-wife, Susan Miller, and John-Paul’s ex-wife, Alison Williams. Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026 We’re inspired by cinema, fashion, architecture and Spanish iconography, so naturally those references become part of our shows. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
Small Town Girls references two shootings, a reference to the gun violence that’s a staple of American life, now more than ever. Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for references
Noun
  • Renewable energy credits serve as proof that a company uses electricity from clean energy sources like solar farms, according to the Retail Energy Supply Association.
    Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Other dark leafy greens, such as Swiss chard and collard greens, are good sources, too.
    Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The plaintiffs argued the ballot language was misleading in several regards.
    Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Hosting the All-Star Game provides a unique platform to break new ground in both regards.
    Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Alone in her tiny studio apartment, Sarah-Jane Hoadley regularly documents her life as a single woman in her 40s with no friends.
    Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The accomplished small firm was rather inexplicably the sole Chicago firm featured in a new book by former Architectural Record editors that documents design-savvy designers between the coasts.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In other respects, his platform was not very different from Lamont’s.
    Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The government declared a national period of mourning, as crowds gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo to pay their respects.
    James Frater, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“References.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/references. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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