stem

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb stem differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stem are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, and spring. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

How are the words arise and rise related as synonyms of stem?

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 stem?

The words derive and stem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

When is it sensible to use emanate instead of stem?

Although the words emanate and stem have much in common, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How do flow and spring relate to one another, in the sense of stem?

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

words flowed easily from her pen

In what contexts can issue take the place of stem?

In some situations, the words issue and stem are roughly equivalent. However, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When would originate be a good substitute for stem?

The meanings of originate and stem largely overlap; however, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

When might proceed be a better fit than stem?

The words proceed and stem can be used in similar contexts, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When is spring a more appropriate choice than stem?

The synonyms spring and stem are sometimes interchangeable, but spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

Examples of stem in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web New think tanks and magazines explored the boundaries of what an America First conservatism might be: more combative about progressive values, more isolationist in foreign policy, more nationalist on immigration, and more open to government intervention to stem free trade. Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 The Ohio Republican defended an ideological ally in Musk by attacking the Federal Trade Commission for its investigation into Twitter, a probe that stemmed not from content moderation but from a bombshell whistleblower disclosure by a senior security executive alleging violations of user privacy. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2024 Pinch back stems in early June to promote branching, which in turn will result in more flowers at the shoot tips. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 The bulb typically produces at least two flower stems, each with up to four blooms. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stem 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stem
Verb
  • This month, The New York Times reported that, after independent reporter Ken Klippenstein published hacked Trump campaign information related to Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance, the campaign connected with X to halt the spread of the materials.
    David Ingram, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024
  • The Philadelphia district attorney's office filed a lawsuit Monday to halt Musk's $1 million a day to registered voters in swing states, saying that the giveaway is intended to reward people for registering and voting for Donald Trump.
    Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • In August 2024, the Financial Times reported that 40% of more than 100 projects evaluated were delayed.
    James Morton Turner, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2024
  • This year, state laws still in place in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin prohibiting election workers from counting early votes until Election Day are expected to delay results again.
    Rachel Barber, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Virgin Atlantic ceased all flights to Hong Kong — and closed an office there — in 2022, ending the airline’s 30-year presence in the Asian financial hub.
    Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024
  • His administration also ended some discrimination protections for LGBTQ people in school and in health care settings.
    Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 24 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • The Broad Fire burned around 33 acres, but its forward progress was stopped and firefighters were mopping up late Wednesday afternoon, Malibu’s city government said.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Perhaps the one thing people of all political standpoints can agree on this election season is that all these candidate ads need to stop.
    Steven Martinez, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The 325-page report concluded with four main findings.
    Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 31 Oct. 2024
  • The researchers concluded that assumptions about children seeking instant gratification were untrue.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Trump's longtime public praise of Putin and past impeachment linked to Ukraine prompts concern in Kyiv, as do his proposals for a quick peace settlement that may hand Moscow control of swaths of eastern Ukraine and block Kyiv from future NATO membership.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024
  • While both parties are trying to court these voters to some degree, there have been attempts to block many overseas votes in recent months.
    Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Agricultural irrigation and power plant operations could also be significantly impeded, and if past mussel infestations are any indication, golden mussels could also severely affect boating and recreation by encrusting docks, engines and steering equipment.
    Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Despite this, conservation groups have opposed the I-40 boundary as a border impeding wolf recovery.
    John Leos, The Arizona Republic, 28 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • The Chinese Foreign Ministry likewise blamed the United States for suppressing free speech by trying to ban the popular Chinese social media app TikTok.
    David Shedd, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2024
  • Similarly, many people have suppressed symptoms of an infection to engage in some sort of social obligation.
    Sebastian Stockmaier, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near stem

Cite this Entry

“Stem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stem. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on stem

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