issue 1 of 2

1
2
as in exit
a place or means of going out since the lake is the issue of the polluted river, it is becoming polluted as well

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in offspring
the descendants of a person, animal, or plant someone who dies without issue might have their estate turned over to the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

issue

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb issue differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of issue are arise, derive, emanate, flow, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of issue?

Arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent.

new questions have arisen
slowly rose to prominence

When can derive be used instead of issue?

Although the words derive and issue have much in common, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

Where would emanate be a reasonable alternative to issue?

The synonyms emanate and issue are sometimes interchangeable, but emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How are the words flow and spring related as synonyms of issue?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When might originate be a better fit than issue?

The words originate and issue are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

When is it sensible to use proceed instead of issue?

In some situations, the words proceed and issue are roughly equivalent. However, proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When could spring be used to replace issue?

While in some cases nearly identical to issue, spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

In what contexts can stem take the place of issue?

The words stem and issue can be used in similar contexts, but stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of issue
Noun
Kurt's key takeaways Online abuse is a serious issue that disproportionately affects young women. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025 In the decades since, Yasbeck has dedicated her time to creating the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, which brings awareness to the issue. Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
Evacuation orders were issued across multiple towns and counties as dry conditions and wind gusts fueled flare-ups that had earlier been partially contained. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025 Some exchanges issue Forms 1099-B, 1099-K, or newer iterations like 1099-DA, while others do not issue tax forms at all. Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • Putin spoke of it almost as a law of nature, never mentioning that the Kremlin enforced such outcomes.
    Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • While different courts may reach different outcomes, the broader legal questions can percolate before the Supreme Court may ultimately step in with a resolution.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The important thing to remember however, is that the exit may not be the end of the road.
    Alex Lazarow, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Christian Horner's pride, who engineered Checo's exit and the one who raced him, is at stake.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Driven by instinct, some species have developed effective yet bizarre ways to ensure their offspring have the best chance of survival.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Johnson allegedly bred dogs that had won fights in order to create offspring with traits suitable for dog fighting.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The advisory is in effect until 11 p.m. Source: The National Weather Service This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 10:56 PM.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • This story was originally published March 29, 2025 at 3:40 PM.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Sauce, a Houston native, began his hip-hop career in 2007 and has since released multiple mixtapes.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The pope had previously only been seen once during his lengthy hospital stay when the Vatican released a photograph of Francis praying at the hospital’s chapel.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The result was one of the most transformative kitchen appliances in history, not because of new technology but because someone recognized an everyday problem—slow, inefficient cooking—applied a seemingly unrelated observation, and created a solution.
    Mark Nevins, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Waiting until the time is right can improve the result and increase the longevity of your paint.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The change is a tacit acknowledgment of the growing tensions between the association — which represents White House correspondents from dozens of news outlets — and President Donald Trump.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The outlet reported that Mama Schmucker was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 and underwent surgery that year, before she was placed in hospice care in November.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The hanging fruits had been emblazoned with the letters of the Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.
    Veronica Hilbring, Essence.com, 11 July 2017
  • My feeling is generally in the case of summer fruit pies, if things are in season and at their peak bounty, why be skimpy?
    Rick Martinez, Bon Appetit, 8 July 2017

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Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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