1
as in sources
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 origins
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 foundations
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 essences
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 embeds
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
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Recent Examples of roots
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026
According to Nitzsche, simmer pots have historical roots, with a presences across cultures.
—Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026
Celebrating their Spanish roots and their mutual dedication to craft, the labels revealed three heel styles featured in Balenciaga’s pre-fall 2026 collection.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026
Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Fierce courage can blossom from fragile roots.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2026
Repot rosemary into a pot that’s one size up from the current one when the plant has doubled in size or its roots are visible through the drainage holes.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026
No one could trace the secret roots of Skinny Pedro’s devotion to the world of machines.
—Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Frillman is also sticking to his roots with the Radicle’s menu, focusing on Midwest culinary traditions with a splash of Italian drinking culture mixed in.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Jan. 2026
Both parents are delighted to be a part of Davis’ new opera, which resonates especially strongly for them as San Diego residents with deep roots on both sides of the border.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
For Pritchard, whose Stanford roots date back to 2005, the chance to return as head coach was both emotional and deeply personal.
—Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025
Natural rock formations rise through the living room floor, a detail that roots the design in the hillside itself, and a full renovation of an existing home brought it in line with the style of the main house while still maintaining its own identity.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
Rising seas could swallow the land that roots our identity.
—Feleti Penitala Teo, Time, 22 Sep. 2025
In a strong culture, everyone roots their daily decisions in a desire to be in it to win it; there's a sense of ownership, pride and belonging.
—Alex Brueckmann, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
As well, his longstanding appreciation of country music roots his art in respect and reverence of the genre's history.
—Marcus K. Dowling, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
Overwatering The main reasons orchid roots get mushy and cause leaf wilt are overwatering or poor drainage, according to Kondrat.
—Verb
Louisiana dirty rice is a tasty meat-and-rice dish that roots its flavor in aromatic Cajun seasoning and the holy trinity vegetables.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for roots
Noun
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Whenever using space heaters in a bathroom or kitchen, take all precautions to reduce the risk of electric shock whether that's positioning your heater away from water sources like sinks and showers.—
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Plot details are under wraps, though sources tell us this is a cop film.—
Noun
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Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Israel, Palestine and Lebanon all have sites with Phoenician origins.—
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The origins of Short’s Black Dahlia nickname date back long before her murder.—
Noun
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Some clerics control enormous charitable foundations worth billions of dollars through donations from followers and budgets from the state, while others operate modest local mosques with minimal resources.—
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Still, her median grant size, around $5 million, according to Yield Giving data analyzed by Fortune, dwarfs that of the roughly $123,000 median grant from typical foundations, Phil Buchanan, president of the Center for Effective Philanthropy, told The New York Times.—
Noun
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Skin care leads the conversation, alongside a growing focus on niche fragrances, refined essences and wellness treatments.—
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And this year’s lineup is loaded with glow-boosting icons—from milky toners and hydrating essences to overnight masks that make your skin feel like a cloud.—
Verb
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The updates come as Google embeds its Gemini AI technology across its wide portfolio of consumer products.—
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Caterpillar said the technology embeds autonomy directly into construction workflows, targeting safer operations, higher precision, and improved productivity across global projects.—
Noun
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Married couples shared a bed, and one of their younger children might sleep with them, though infants had cradles.—
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In the photos, Travis can be seen down on one knee as Swift cradles his face in the sweet moment.—
Noun
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Both stories have been condensed to their main scenes and songs but still contain full stories with beginnings, middles and ends.—
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What numerology 2026 means for your life The destiny number 1 stands for new beginnings, personal responsibility, and courageous initiative.—
Noun
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What the museum dream team did not see was the pain in our hearts about this jail.—
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My message this week is about not letting our hearts be troubled, and Jesus is the way.—
Cite this Entry
“Roots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roots. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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