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
This year, about 38% of the county’s general fund — money generated by property and sales taxes as well as other sources — went toward CMS. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025 Creating a carbon copy of the original could attract criticism for being lazy and superfluous whereas straying too far from the source material could alienate fans. —Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
The cold brew coffee founder said his cost for glass bottles sourced from China will go up 50%, while chai sourced from India will increase by 26% and coffee imported from Ethiopia, Peru and Canada will climb by 10%. —Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025 Nearshoring to Europe remains an option, and the competition from other sourcing countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, which offered rates that Turkey could not compete with, could be waning. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 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
  • The duo first met in an acting class, says Nikki of her origin story with Molly.
    — Anne Easton, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Their work is detailed in a study published Thursday in the journal Science and hints at the evolutionary origin of our own communication.
    — Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of origin
Noun
  • The historic flow of the Colorado River extended from the headwaters in Colorado to the Gulf of California in the Mexican state of Sonora — but that flow now tapers near the border.
    — Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 24 Mar. 2025
  • These projects manage most of the major reservoirs on the western side of the Sierra Nevada range, from the headwaters of the San Joaquin River to Shasta on the Sacramento River in the state’s far north.
    — Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of headwater
Noun
  • Such language was missing in Mattel’s proxy statement this year, with no references to diversity or ethnicity, as well as data about women and minorities on its board.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Cramer said, in a reference to the difficulty of timing the market.
    — Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of reference
Noun
  • Artists of all ages can create vibrant chalk art near the park fountain.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The fountain also has a low-water detection system, automatically stopping if water levels get too low.
    — Simon Hill, Wired News, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of fountain
Noun
  • Working inside the iconic 52-story-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, ground teams used heavy-duty cranes to first lift the butterscotch orange core stage from its cradle in the VAB's cavernous transfer aisle, the central passageway between the building's four rocket assembly bays.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Side and stomach sleepers will especially appreciate the side channels that cradle arms, as well as divots that minimize pressure on cheeks and ears.
    — Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of cradle
Noun
  • He was raised in Boston Both Ivery and Pompeo have Boston roots.
    — Maggie Kreienberg, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • For example, companies are offering products like probiotics for the gut-skin axis or anti-inflammatory serums aiming to address root causes.
    — Wayne Liu, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of root
Noun
  • At the beginning of last year, Del Rey shared a snippet of the ballad without any context.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 11 Apr. 2025
  • At the beginning of the 2005 season, then–NBA Commissioner David Stern implemented a dress code.
    — D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • Homage to Force Majeure Because The White Lotus is often just Ruben Östlund in a different font.
    — Vulture Staff, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Text appears very small so may require a bit of tinkering with font sizes and display settings.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of font

Browse Nearby Words

sour
source
sourcebook
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Cite this Entry

“Source.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/source. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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