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Definitions

refer

[ri-fur] / rɪˈfɜr /
VERB
mention
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assign attribute cite hint indicate introduce invoke point out specify
STRONG
accredit adduce advert allude ascribe associate charge credit designate excerpt exemplify extract glance impute insert instance interpolate lay name notice point quote
WEAK
bring up direct attention give as example make allusion make mention of make reference put down to speak about speak of touch on
Antonyms
STRONG
ignore insert neglect remove
WEAK
hold back
VERB
direct, guide
Synonyms
STRONGEST
commit deliver hand over introduce pass on recommend send submit transfer turn over
STRONG
consign point relegate
WEAK
hand in put in touch
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dissuade end hold keep receive retain
WEAK
hold back
VERB
concern, apply
Synonyms
STRONGEST
answer connect deal with involve relate
STRONG
appertain belong cover encompass hold include incorporate pertain point regard touch
WEAK
be a matter of be about be directed to be relevant bear upon correspond with have a bearing on have reference have relation have to do with take in
Antonyms
STRONG
abandon disbelieve disregard drop exclude ignore
WEAK
hold back
VERB
seek information
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advise apply go
STRONG
commune confer consult recur repair resort run turn
WEAK
have recourse look up turn to
Antonyms
STRONG
halt stop
WEAK
hold back

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On the other end of the spectrum, even the U.S. acknowledges that Champagne can generally refer only to sparkling wine from a specific region of France.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

That’s what economists refer to as a debt spiral.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

I’m guessing Bianco will refer Bonta back to that simple communication of a single finger, much the same as Villanueva did.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

All told, it’s still rare, at least for now, for a myeloma patient to refer to themselves as cured or for an oncologist to refer to a myeloma patient that way.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

I no longer refer to her as Mother because she’s not currently here to “mother” me.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.