Synonym Chooser

How does the verb emanate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of emanate are arise, derive, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

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

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 would derive be a good substitute for emanate?

In some situations, the words derive and emanate are roughly equivalent. However, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

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

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

words flowed easily from her pen

When is it sensible to use issue instead of emanate?

While the synonyms issue and emanate are close in meaning, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

In what contexts can originate take the place of emanate?

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

the fire originated in the basement

When could proceed be used to replace emanate?

While in some cases nearly identical to emanate, proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When might spring be a better fit than emanate?

The words spring and emanate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

Where would stem be a reasonable alternative to emanate?

Although the words stem and emanate have much in common, 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 emanate Timers chime every few minutes and music emanates from a speaker with what seems to be every sort of musical genre, from ’80s pop to Spanish rock. Cindy Carcamo, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025 The seismic activity of moderate earthquakes usually takes only minutes to dissipate, but for some weird reason, this signal continued emanating for another nine days. Darren Orf, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025 The best ideas are the ones that emanate organically from the characters, like the stiff-legged dancing styles of the Scarecrow and the Tinman or the denizens of the Emerald City behaving like oblivious clubgoers at an all-night dance party. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025 Lately, it’s fueled by the reinforcing good vibes sent in Williams’ direction emanating from the likes of Bridges, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emanate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emanate
Verb
  • Here’s a breakdown by style: A soft cheese, such as a wheel of brie should be cut in wedges radiating from the center so that everyone gets an even piece including a piece of the rind.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2025
  • While modeling from the 1990s already showed that greenhouse gases trap heat in the lower atmosphere, more recent research determined that the same gases also radiate heat at much higher altitudes — thereby cooling the thermosphere.
    Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Researchers are still trying to investigate why exactly the rig shark emits these sounds.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
  • These very bright devices can emit upwards of 10,000 lux, designed to mimic a sunny day and help with symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The 12-28mm is physically compatible with full-frame cameras but doesn't cast an image circle that's big enough to cover the larger sensor format.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Rather than take a documentarian approach to photography, which tends to be more reactive and spontaneous, Aldridge’s process can be compared to that of a film director — starting with a storyboard, then the casting and set design.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Emanate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emanate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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