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 As haunting music emanates from behind a red curtain, an emcee emerges and announces that all the sounds are prerecorded; the entire show is an illusion. Will Bahr, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025 The flame emanating from Red Sox-Luis Castillo trade rumors has been dwindling for weeks. Dakota Randall, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025 Every element in Master Gardener emanates from an honest, unaffected belief that love heals all wounds and that no one, even the absolute worst among us, is beyond saving. Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2025 In addition to smoke and soot, the space agency detected large plumes of harmful gases emanating from the wildfires, including lung-irritating nitrogen dioxide and cancer-causing formaldehyde. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emanate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emanate
Verb
  • And then found some cool enhancements — the eyes that could tell the story of a guy who’s also gamma radiated.
    Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Even so, as a performer Trachtenberg radiated more than just vulnerability.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Also, the Cane Toad emits a toxin that irritates skin and eyes.
    Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025
  • While scanning the ground near a small tree, the metal detector emitted a distinctive sound.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Rashad Jamal, the former rapper who leads the University of Cosmic Intelligence and is now serving 18 years on child-molestation charges, has repeatedly cast his prosecution as persecution.
    David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Music fans cast their votes in a poll published on Friday (Feb. 21) by Billboard, choosing the collaborative track as their favorite new release of the past week.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 23 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on emanate

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