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

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

Related 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

Any expression of fault — a correction or apology — is the source of great embarrassment. — Sabrina Jaszi, The Dial, 4 Aug. 2026 Health officials are investigating jalapenos served at Chipotle restaurants as a possible source of a recent salmonella outbreak, the company confirmed to ABC News on Tuesday. — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Verb

Oftentimes, the winning group will source investors from the groups that lost the bidding war. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026 Arrow Electronics helped the company source the right components and improve the design for the glasses. — Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for source

Recent Examples of Synonyms for source

Noun

But although smallpox’s European origins are clear based on the timeline of its devastation, epidemiologists have yet to identify strong genetic evidence to support this arc.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2026
Just days before the hearing, Paul released over 1,000 pages of Fauci's private diary entries from the pandemic period, accusing him of hiding the truth about COVID-19's origins.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 July 2026

Definition of origin

Noun

The headwaters of this 1,400-mile long artery are in the Rocky Mountains, fed by melting snowpack.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Following an exceedingly warm year that has left the Colorado River’s headwaters in the Rocky Mountains largely snowless, Lake Mead is nearing a record-low level.

— Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of headwater

Noun

Police asked parents of children who have had contact with Poff to contact Nampa Dispatch at 208-465-2257, select option one and use case reference number N26-39734.

— Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
The origins of the potluck One of the first references to large communal meals where every attendee contributed is in the Bible.

— Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 30 July 2026

Definition of reference

Noun

This can help address the root cause of behaviors such as spending excessive time in bed awake, maintaining irregular sleep schedules, and conditioned arousal such as worrying about sleep.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 31 July 2026
The Buffalo Rose Saloon (Golden) Located in the heart of downtown Golden, the buildings that house The Buffalo Rose events complex have roots that are as old as the city itself.

— Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 31 July 2026

Definition of root

Noun

Her exit follows the resignations last week of acting Chief Financial Officer Steve Mahr and Deputy CFO Noor Shaikh in June — coming after CFO Jill Jaworski departed at the beginning of this year.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
For Jed Hoyer, trading Triple-A outfielder Brett Bateman and Class-A infielder Ty Southisene in Sunday night’s deal with the Blue Jays was only the beginning of a buying spree.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of beginning

Browse Nearby Words

sour

source

sourcebook

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Style

“Source.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/source. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of source

noun

verb

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