1
as in source
a point or place at which something is invented or provided
he insists that insecurity is the root of all jealousy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in origin
the source from which something grows or develops
one would need to go back at least several hundred years to find the root of the entrenched hostility between the neighboring nations
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in foundation
an immaterial thing upon which something else rests
an implicit trust in the wisdom of the people is the root of democracy
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in core
the central part or aspect of something under consideration
at root, it's a question of the proper limits, if any, of free speech
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to embed
to set solidly in or as if in surrounding matter
rooted the post securely in the dirt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 root
Arricca Elin Sansone,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
These are two local, ethnic soccer clubs, players with roots in Belarus scrumming on the home pitch of a Ukrainian club called Tryzub.
—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
25 June 2026
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
But recruitment alone will not solve a problem rooted in retention, affordability and sustainability.
—
Luis Contreras,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for root
Noun
Overwatering also negatively impacts your lawn’s roots.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
These are two local, ethnic soccer clubs, players with roots in Belarus scrumming on the home pitch of a Ukrainian club called Tryzub.
—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
25 June 2026
Verb
The premise is simple, since tedious work feels lighter with company, and the appeal is rooted in something deeper than productivity.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
But recruitment alone will not solve a problem rooted in retention, affordability and sustainability.
—
Luis Contreras,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for root
Recent Examples of Synonyms for root
Noun
-
The source claimed that the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star checked into the facility voluntarily.
-
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are expected to take over Madison Square Garden for two events celebrating their wedding, ABC News and CNN reported on June 30, citing sources familiar with the plans.
Noun
-
Although researchers have not determined their origin, many consider Cheyava Falls one of the strongest potential biosignature candidates discovered on Mars.
-
Its origins are uncertain, with one tale suggesting that a cook at Manzanillo’s mercado left a pot of pozole over fire and forgot it.
Noun
-
Caracas, Venezuela — Venezuela was broken long before two back-to-back earthquakes ripped the country from its foundations last Wednesday.
-
The foundation recommended ballot curing programs that speed up the process by utilizing a secure text platform when double checking whether a ballot is legitimate when a voter’s signature doesn’t match state records.
Noun
-
Reflective, multilayer shields will block the most heat, and ones with a thicker foam core will work much better than thin ones.
-
Sperm production works best at a temperature slightly cooler than core body temperature.
Verb
-
With Claude Tag, Anthropic hopes to ease some of these burdens by simplifying the product and embedding it where companies already operate day-to-day.
-
Now, risk is embedded in day-to-day operations.
Noun
-
The club retired the cradle of Louis XIV from its badge—a symbol of Saint-Germain as a suburban town 20 kilometers outside Paris, where the kings once lived.
-
However, the country’s history draws parallels with Atlanta’s own identity as a cradle of civil rights activism.
Noun
-
Prior to the trial beginning, the judge agreed that questions about Brown’s felony conviction for his 2009 assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna would be barred from testimony.
-
June was a frenetic month for the metro Atlanta restaurant scene, driven in part by a flurry of downtown openings timed to the beginning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Noun
-
The 747-800 was selected as the basis of the VC-25B, the new primary plane to serve as Air Force One in 2015, during the Barack Obama administration, as the old planes were expected to exceed their service lifetime in 2017.
-
The Guardians loaded the bases with two outs in the inning but Burke induced Brayan Rocchio to pop out.
Cite this Entry
“Root.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/root. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
