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

Italy’s famed Sforza Castle is a focal point for historians, architects, and art lovers—as well as a source of many legends. —

Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Jan. 2025 The city relies extensively on the approval of state loans and other sources of funding that are under the governor’s purview. —

Alexandra Berzon, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025

Verb

Your Super even outlines where each one is sourced from—wheatgrass and barley grass are sourced in the U.S.A., while moringa is from India, baobab from Ghana, spirulina from Chile, and chlorella from Portugal. —

Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2025 For these costumes, Lovaas sourced from mills in the American South but also in the U.K. —

Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for source

Recent Examples of Synonyms for source

Noun

Advertisement While Sierra was being held in LAPD custody, officials determined the origin point of the Kenneth fire was in Ventura County, so the investigation has been turned over to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
The committee’s members are mostly anonymous and the group’s origins are unknown.

— Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025