root 1 of 2

1
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

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root

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word root distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of root are inception, origin, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When would inception be a good substitute for root?

While the synonyms inception and root are close in meaning, 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 root?

The synonyms origin and root are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Where would source be a reasonable alternative to root?

In some situations, the words source and root are roughly equivalent. However, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile
the source of recurrent trouble

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
Noun
Memorabilia, cold beers and American pub fare nod to its 1940s roots, but Whitlow's is more happening than ever with live entertainment and their own tiki boat, Whitlow's on Water, docked outside. Anna Spiegel, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025 The latest iteration of Resident Evil, which pays homage to the original horror videogame’s roots, is ramping up for a Sept. 18, 2026 theatrical release. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
In the process of interviewing the witnesses, survivors and elders, Short Bull deployed a style rooted more in the Lakota culture of storytelling than in common journalistic practice. Tom White, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2025 Stephanie Tharpe: Clover’s success paradigm is rooted at the intersection of culture and commerce. Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for root
Recent Examples of Synonyms for root
Noun
  • 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
  • The White House is prepared to target more big law firms, sources tell ABC News, and there are ongoing discussions among top advisers on strategy associated with possibly entering into negotiations with more of them.
    Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • While Jubilee struck a more uplifting tone compared to past albums, For Melancholy Brunettes returns to some of the band’s moodier origins.
    Chris Malone Mendez, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The origin seems to make sense since mature toms have long, flowing snoods.
    Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • With The Life List, Allen has laid the foundation for a similar path to success.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Lay good foundations, instill good values, spend lots of time with them.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Linux kernel vulnerability prompted America’s cyber defense agency to mandate all federal employees to update their phones by March 25 or stop using them.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Linux Kernel Update Goes Live The code has been implemented as part of the Linux kernel release version 6.13 in January.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The wood is considered an iconic place, known not only for its collection of rare species of mosses and lichens only found within two small, wooded areas, but it is also embedded in the history, folklore and mythology of the area.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • While many remain focused on blockchain’s role in finance, forward-thinking policymakers are already embedding tokenization into the legislative framework of tomorrow.
    Charles Morey, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Steelers' six Super Bowl titles, and the region's reputation as a cradle for Hall of Famers, have been built on franchise QBs.
    Ryan Deto, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Within a few paces is the entrance to Highbury Square, the apartment complex constructed on the footprint that was once the sacred cradle of Arsenal.
    Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • At the beginning of 2025, the Decentralized Science (DeSci) movement experienced significant momentum, marked by several key developments such as the emergence of new projects, market growth and investment, technological advancements, and community and collaboration.
    Chrissa McFarlane, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The hiring will take place three weeks before the beginning of the 25/26 fiscal year on May 1.
    Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Somehow, the human brain manages to incorporate new learnings on an ongoing basis without sacrificing existing knowledge.
    Rob Toews, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The menu covers all the bases, from classics like waffles and benedicts to unique offerings like berry quinoa and smothered brie.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Root.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/root. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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