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

Examples 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
One ding: Since the fleece isn’t all that stretchy, and the headband comes in just one size, runners with notably small or large heads may have fit issues. Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 15 Nov. 2024 But, if the justices want to resolve the issue presented by Skrmetti, there’s no reason why the Court can’t decide this case in its current term (which means a decision is likely in late June), regardless of how the procedural drama shakes out. Ian Millhiser, Vox, 15 Nov. 2024
Verb
Prior to Monday, Price and her campaign had repeatedly declined to comment on the Nov. 5 election and issued a lone statement on Nov. 6 urging residents to be patient while the votes were counted. Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 18 Nov. 2024 The company issued a follow-up notification at 10:41 a.m. that workers responded to a vapor release while performing maintenance on equipment. Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for issue 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • The filing also notes ongoing legal proceedings, including cases related to trademark infringement and alleged misrepresentation, with outcomes currently uncertain.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Alex Forsyth’s teammates may have felt sick in the aftermath of the Broncos’ 16-14 loss to the Chiefs, first about the game’s outcome and then about criticism toward the Broncos’ second-year offensive lineman.
    Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Since then, the Bucks are 21-30 including their first-round exit.
    Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Harris won women by 8 percentage points, while President Joe Biden won that cohort by 15 percentage points in 2020, according to NBC News’ exit polling.
    Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • There’s a lot to unpack from this family photo, which prominently features the world’s richest man, standing with the president-elect’s offspring and their partners and their children.
    Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Such food sharing happens between bats who are related – such as mothers and their offspring – but also unrelated individuals.
    Sebastian Stockmaier, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • The findings are described in a study published November 6 in the Cell Press journal Neuron. Inside the brain, different areas are interconnected.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
  • The other survey this weekend that got loads of attention, which was conducted by Ann Selzer and published in the Register, had Harris up in Iowa by three percentage points.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Democrat Josh Harder is heading back to the U.S. House following his defeat of Republican Kevin Lincoln in California’s 9th Congressional District, according to election results released Friday.
    Jason Green, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The Los Angeles County registrar did not update results over the weekend — the last tally there was released at 5 p.m. on Friday — but Tran is leading there with 56.26% of the vote.
    Hanna Kang, Orange County Register, 16 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The MassMutual Consumer Spending & Saving Index from 2022 found similar results: 31 percent of Americans said their ideal gift was cash; 16 percent said their dream present was a gift card.
    Allie Volpe, Vox, 19 Nov. 2024
  • The recounts will take place concurrently, and results and any challenged ballots are presented to their respective canvassing boards.
    Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 16 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Newsom has devoted much of his second term as governor to cultivating national media attention, especially from Democrat-leaning outlets such as MSNBC.
    Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
    Justin Klawans, theweek, 5 Nov. 2024
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

Thesaurus Entries Near issue

Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on issue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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