root

[root, root] / rut, rʊt /

NOUN

base, core

Synonyms

STRONGEST

essence foundation heart origin seed soul source stem stuff

STRONG

basis bedrock beginnings bottom cause center crux derivation essentiality footing fountain fountainhead fundamental germ ground groundwork inception infrastructure mainspring marrow motive nub nucleus occasion pith provenance provenience quick quintessence radicle radix reason rhizome seat substance substratum tuber underpinning well

WEAK

rock bottom starting point

Antonyms

STRONGEST

effect end result

STRONG

conclusion consequence exterior exteriority extra outgrowth outside trivia

WEAK

derivation derivative sprout

VERB

dig and search

Synonyms

STRONGEST

embed ingrain

STRONG

burrow delve ferret forage grub hunt lodge nose place poke pry rummage

WEAK

grub up

Antonyms

STRONG

cover dislodge leave alone

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.

Try to understand what’s at the root of their anxiety.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

“We haven’t fought the root cause,” the chemistry major said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

And while previous TV adaptations root into the emotional interiority of their male characters while sidelining female desire, “The Forsytes” places more narrative purpose in the hands of its women.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

Seo’s Janet is as feisty as she is loyal, making it easy to root for her and her quickly budding romance with McKnight’s worthy Alex.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

A low hum rose from the forest floor, as though every rock and root were vibrating, every bush and bough whispering.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

root

Example Sentences

Related Words