Synonyms for reference

noun

1. The act of referring

   indicating, pointing out, mentioning, citing, bringing up, stating, attributing, connecting, associating, relating.

2. An allusion

   mention, citation, hint, implication; see allusion, quotation 1.

3. A source

   text, original text, book, article, writing, standard work, reference book, dictionary, encyclopedia, thesaurus, directory, guidebook, footnote, eyewitness, informant, evidence; see also dictionary, source 2.

4. A person or statement giving testimony as to someone's character, abilities, etc.

   friend, employer, patron, associate, backer, booster*, recommendation, endorsement, testimonial; see also recommendation 2.