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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.

See Examples For:

But Epstein’s error wasn’t an unfortunate mashup of the two candidates’ names: It was a reference to John’s younger—and significantly more popular—brother, Chris Sununu, also the state’s most recent former governor.

From Slate ● Oct. 29, 2026

Churchill used this metaphor in reference to protectionist tariffs, but the same logic can be applied to wealth taxes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026

This was an apparent reference to a meme of Mbappe superimposed on an image of Mao, one of several using the footballer's face and other historical figures.

From Barron's ● Oct. 27, 2026

“And people are still living in their cars,”Miller said Wednesday in reference to fire victims who are still a long way from home.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 24, 2026

“I hate the old chess and the old chess scene,” he wrote to a friend, making reference to his invention of Fischer Random.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Mr. Masko twice references Dartmouth’s Sian Beilock his op-ed wherein he argues for the separation of AI research from undergraduate education.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026

Your letter references how financial pressures, emotional turmoil, challenging workplace situations, addictions and mental-health challenges all play a role in how people deal with stressful situations.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 26, 2026

Wright said, put simply, none of the other pubs possessed the archaeological evidence, archival references or scientific data "to actually back up the claims".

From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2026

Occasional British references mostly appear in mentions of his early life.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026

Mrs. Banks was glad because she was able to tell everybody that her children’s nurse was so fashionable that she didn’t believe in giving references.

From "Mary Poppins" by P. L. Travers

Before her narrow loss, Hong referenced a since-deleted Wedgewood poll in a fundraising pitch to argue that her campaign had “momentum.”

From Slate ● Oct. 22, 2026

A Presbyterian seminarian, he frequently referenced his faith.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026

Hafeez referenced the six-stage framework on debt and world order put forward by Ray Dalio, the founder of hedge-fund giant Bridgewater Associates.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026

Miranda also referenced that difficult period during Friday's mission, when the players had to collect and assemble parts of Easter Island-like statues on a rainy hillside.

From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026

The italicized language in the description of the referenced exchange is paraphrased, not directly quoted.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

"Specific dates and locations could be discussed through Panmunjom," said Kim, referencing the symbolic truce village where troops from both Koreas stand face-to-face.

From Barron's ● Oct. 23, 2026

“It’s a Tilt-A-Whirl, you’re getting whipped around,” Farley said during an interview with MarketWatch, referencing a popular carnival ride.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 22, 2026

As long as we’re referencing movie roles, “Dumb and Dumber” seems apt.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 26, 2026

When Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ludicrously urged Americans to dress up for travel, he was referencing this imaginary age of girdles and silk-stockinged women dolled up like Veronica Lake.

From Salon ● Sep. 18, 2026

My first sighting is in a news story referencing the Dark Days.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins


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