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

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

China is the dominant supplier of rare earth minerals, although other countries are exploring their own reserves to reduce reliance on a single source. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025 Noboa’s first term has seen widespread blackouts in Ecuador, and both candidates have pledged to increase the supply of alternative energy sources. —

Max Saltman, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025

Verb

The dress was sourced from the brand’s spring 2000 collection — the same one Jennifer Lopez’s famous plunging green silk chiffon dress hails from. —

Marissa Muller, WWD, 3 Feb. 2025 Stocks at risk Constellation Brands: The company has no choice but to source its beer from Mexico. —

Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for source

Recent Examples of Synonyms for source

Noun

The War and Treaty’s Michael Trotter Jr. knows just how intertwined his musical origin story is with his time in the U.S. Army.

— Rachel DeSantis, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
People of Hispanic origin are similarly underrepresented, while white people without a Hispanic heritage, who account for 61% of the population, represent more than 70% of all senior level positions.

— Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025