Synonyms for refer
Definitions
- v. 1
To direct the attention of (someone toward something).
The shop assistant referred me to the help desk on ground floor.
- v. 2
To submit to (another person or group) for consideration; to send or direct elsewhere.
He referred the matter to the principal.
- v. 3
To place in or under by a mental or rational process; to assign to, as a class, a cause, source, a motive, reason, or ground of explanation.
He referred the phenomena to electrical disturbances.
Forms
- Past participle
- referred
e.g. referred → related, pertained, applied, touched…
Choose the right word
Advert, mention, and refer are used of language that more or less distinctly utters a certain thought; the others of language from which it may be inferred.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- apply I didn't apply for the job that Tom told me about.
- relate I see no reason why he doesn't relate to the firm.
- pertain This discussion does not pertain to you.
- suggest I suggest you wait until Tom tells you what to do.
- attribute Why can't shape be an intimate attribute of matter?
By length
- 4 letters
- name1, send1, bear1, hint1, cite1
- 5 letters
- touch1, apply2, imply2
- 6 letters
- direct2, commit2, relate2, assign2, advert2, denote2, allude2, impute2
- 7 letters
- suggest2, concern2, mention2, connect2, consult2, pertain2, ascribe2
- 8 letters
- delegate3
- 9 letters
- attribute3
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (apply2 = 2 syllables).