The best replacement for reference is bibliography.

The best alternatives to reference are rated as following:
★★★★★  bibliography
★★★★  pointer
★★★  citation
★★★  recommendation
★★  referral
★★  letter of recommendation
★★  value
★  referee
★  references
★  pointer c++
★  kappa
★  non reference
★  recommendation letter
★  pass by value
★  appendix first
★  value type
★  synergy
★  personal reference
★  works cited
  allusion
  recommendation letters
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  bibliography difference
  work cited
  footnote
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  professional
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  roll number
  biography
  testimonial
  pointer java
  pass by address
  letters of recommendation
  arbitration
  absolute reference
  pointers c++
  representation
  citing
  passing by value
  web reference

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Speaking about reference, one probably shouldn't forget about citation.

Other search terms related to reference and their ratings are:
★★★★★ citation
★★ quoting
★ apa
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reference
bibliography
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