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Definitions

reference

[ref-er-uhns, ref-ruhns] / ˈrɛf ər əns, ˈrɛf rəns /


NOUN
testimonial of good character
Synonyms
Antonyms
STRONGEST


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.

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Some lyrics make reference to Bridgers' engagement, and eventual break-up, with Irish actor Paul Mescal, and the record is dedicated to her father, who died a few years ago.

From BBC Aug. 13, 2026

Later, he joked that the "AC was cooking" inside the venue, an apparent reference to the heatwave that swept over the country over the Independence Day weekend.

From BBC Aug. 12, 2026

“It’s been comedy to watch,” McElligott said, in reference to the market’s latest abrupt change of heart.

From MarketWatch Aug. 10, 2026

In France, average temperatures were 3.8C above the 1991-2020 normal -- a reference period already significantly warmer than the pre-industrial climate of 1850-1900.

From Barron's Aug. 10, 2026

That conversation, as Hamilton now remembered it, “consisted of comments on the political principles and views of Col. Bur...without reference to any instance of past conduct, or to private character.”

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

For example, Bloom’s study found that references to remote work and diversity, equity and inclusion have dropped in recent years.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 13, 2026

"While historians have occasionally noted these remarks, they have generally treated them as unexplained references," said Prof Licence.

From Science Daily Aug. 11, 2026

Figures recorded at the observatory's headquarters serve as one of the key references for Hong Kong, according to the weather service, although temperatures can vary significantly in the densely built Chinese finance hub.

From Barron's Aug. 9, 2026

“Many people talk about the fact that he initiated some of these discussions, that he participated in some of these discussions. You’ll hear references to comments he made. Usually he has edited out his comments.”

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 7, 2026

Seeing it from this angle made me understand the references to being “on the horns.”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

The committee's report referenced a BBC investigation which found the government compared Plan 2 student loan repayments to £30-a-month phone contracts in promotional presentations to teenagers a decade ago.

From BBC Aug. 5, 2026

In her prepared testimony, she referenced it multiple times.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 31, 2026

In early interviews discussing the film, Nolan referenced Wilson’s translation, which subsequently skyrocketed in sales.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 31, 2026

Flavio Bolsonaro teared up as he referenced his father, who appeared in an AI-generated video.

From Barron's Jul. 25, 2026

He jotted a note to himself and referenced her as ‘the woman at Mr. Rejewski’s table.’

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

McGurn also said the company’s social media platform is entering into an expanded content phase, referencing a new service that will allow traders will pay for instant access to the president’s Truth Social posts.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 10, 2026

It was not clear how referencing the infamous L.A. gang was, on its own, racist.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 7, 2026

“It should be an amount paid out at some point, and that would show up in a 990,” he said, referencing the name of the tax return filed by nonprofits, which is public.

From Salon Aug. 1, 2026

In a shot across the bows, it also called for the transition towards net zero carbon emissions to avoid "industrial vandalism", referencing job losses in the oil sector.

From BBC Jul. 15, 2026

“You sound like your father,” he said, referencing Krazy Keith.

From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green




Vocabulary lists containing reference


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