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
Omega introduced the collection in March, dropping nine fresh references and two new calibers. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026 His references ranged from Jim Morrison to Michel Foucault’s experiments with LSD in California. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026 For instance, references to agent orchestration, or the ability to design agents that work in concert on a task, jumped 1,721% this year. — Hugh Son, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 Oregon Ducks branding is also seen on the insole, but the pair is otherwise conservative in its references to the university, particularly when compared to some of the school’s other special-edition Nike releases. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026 Newer references now represent many different versions of the human genome through branching paths rather than forcing everyone’s DNA onto one template. — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026 Having common cultural references could bring people together, making society feel more cohesive and connected. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 This Special puzzle features lyric references, cultural landmarks and even historic events tied to Dylan. — Atoosa Moinzadeh, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026 But those familiar with the story’s source material will be able to spot plenty of Jedi-adjacent references throughout the romantic comedy. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Sep. 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
  • In July, the music artist and producer spent some solo time after getting into a prison fight, sources told TMZ and NBC News.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The satellites can observe individual facilities from orbit and gather measurements that help identify greenhouse gas sources.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Today chaos gives bad people the opportunity to advance their own nefarious agendas with little regards for the American people.
    — Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The plaintiffs argued the ballot language was misleading in several regards.
    — Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Contour clearly documents support for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
    — Sascha Brodsky, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The Fifth National Climate Assessment, published in November 2023, documents risks to health, infrastructure and agricultural productivity.
    — Akshaya Jha, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Families mourn at the festival site Hundreds of people paid their respects to the more than 350 people killed in and around the festival site.
    — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Friends, including Muslims, and relatives gathered at the Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City to pay their respects during the funeral of the Christian mother and daughter.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“References.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/references. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!