source 1 of 2

noun

ˈsȯrs How to pronounce source (audio)
Definition of sourcenext
1
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
2
as in headwater
the beginning part of a stream 19th-century explorers who sought the source of the Nile

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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

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 source
Noun
National governments could be stepping in to make up for the abrupt withdrawal of U.S. aid, or non-governmental organizations on-the-ground could be finding other sources of funding. —Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 28 May 2025 Denim Première Vision maintained its reputation as a source for creative denim fashion. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025
Verb
For her look, Lipa seemed to source inspiration from the racetrack. —Mikelle Street, Footwear News, 25 May 2025 Fun fact: Items used on the set of Killers of the Flower Moon were sourced here. —Anne Roderique-Jones, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for source
Recent Examples of Synonyms for source
  1. origin
  2. headwater
  3. reference
  4. fountain
  5. cradle
  6. root
  7. beginning
  8. font
Noun
  • For many New Yorkers of Mexican origin, seeing the Cuauhtémoc sail into our harbor was a proud and emotional moment.
    — Eric Adams, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
  • Michelle Williams is a solid second, receiving some keen support from the panel, but Milioti’s rising crime boss with a brutal origin story has stolen the BuzzMeter’s heart.
    — Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Definition of origin
Noun
  • The utility’s leaders defend the project and say the utility has spent $30 million across dozens of projects to offset the environmental impacts of the reservoir expansion, including stream restoration on the headwaters of the Colorado River.
    — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Its main stem flows 2,350 miles from the headwaters at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, touching 10 states and spreading out into many more with its tributaries.
    — Amy Graff, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Definition of headwater
Noun
  • The expansion of the California film and TV tax credit, which industry stakeholders argue is key to protecting jobs in the state, hit a snag on Friday, as lawmakers deleted references in bill language to raising the program cap to $750 million.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 23 May 2025
  • The attacker's [writings] explicitly mentioned the defendant by name and included numerous references to MKY's founder, Yegor Krasnov.
    — Mike Levine, ABC News, 23 May 2025
Definition of reference
Noun
  • These are just my two cents, but ... nobody throws a bitcoin into a fountain.
    — Faith Salie, CBS News, 1 June 2025
  • Spanning 17,000 square feet across two floors, the first big reveal for fans is the fountain and orange couch from the show’s opening credits.
    — Nevin Martell, USA Today, 27 May 2025
Definition of fountain
Noun
  • Bonus: There are cradles for your dumbbells, along with a tablet holder.
    — Sara Coughlin, SELF, 28 May 2025
  • Spanning 17 autonomous regions and two small enclaves in North Africa, the country is a cradle of diverse cultures, geography, traditions, even languages.
    — Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 28 May 2025
Definition of cradle
Noun
  • According to engineers and robotics experts, the root cause of the malfunction was a combination of software and design oversight.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025
  • One of the common root causes is that many of us instinctively fill every available surface, from drawers to shelves, and cabinets to closets.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
Definition of root
Noun
  • At the beginning of the 2022—2023 school year, Luis Hinojosa was appointed as the principal of Pitcher Elementary School, according to court documents.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025
  • But at the beginning of Jonathan Tropper’s Your Friends and Neighbors, he’s fired from his job and divorced from his wife.
    — Barry Levitt, Time, 30 May 2025
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • The headlines change their fonts, but not their message.
    — Marc Oestreich, National Review, 24 May 2025
  • Very satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Submit Clear form Forms Some fonts could not be loaded.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Definition of font

Browse Nearby Words

sour
source
sourcebook
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Source.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/source. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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