FLOW Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'flow' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of flow are arise , derive , emanate , issue , originate , proceed , rise , spring , and stem . While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception. // words flowed easily from her pen

Q: How do 'arise' and 'rise' relate to one another, in the sense of 'flow'?

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

Q: When might 'derive' be a better fit than 'flow'?

The synonyms derive and flow are sometimes interchangeable, but derive implies a prior existence in another form. // the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

Q: In what contexts can 'emanate' take the place of 'flow'?

The meanings of emanate and flow largely overlap; however, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source. // reports emanating from the capital

Q: When would 'issue' be a good substitute for 'flow'?

In some situations, the words issue and flow are roughly equivalent. However, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet. // blood issued from the cut

Q: When can 'originate' be used instead of 'flow'?

While in some cases nearly identical to flow , originate implies a definite source or starting point. // the fire originated in the basement

Q: Where would 'proceed' be a reasonable alternative to 'flow'?

The words proceed and flow 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

Q: When is 'spring' a more appropriate choice than 'flow'?

The words spring and flow are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, spring implies rapid or sudden emerging. // an idea that springs to mind

Q: When could 'stem' be used to replace 'flow'?

While the synonyms stem and flow are close in meaning, stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development. // industries stemming from space research

flow 1 of 2

verb

ˈflō

Definition of flow next

as in to stream

to move in a stream water was flowing over the dam at a tremendous rate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to drift

to move or proceed smoothly and readily as everyone relaxed, the conversation really started to flow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flow

2 of 2

noun

as in flood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb flow differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of flow are arise, derive, emanate, issue, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

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

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 might derive be a better fit than flow?

The synonyms derive and flow are sometimes interchangeable, but derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

In what contexts can emanate take the place of flow?

The meanings of emanate and flow largely overlap; however, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

When would issue be a good substitute for flow?

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

blood issued from the cut

When can originate be used instead of flow?

While in some cases nearly identical to flow, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

Where would proceed be a reasonable alternative to flow?

The words proceed and flow 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 flow?

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

an idea that springs to mind

When could stem be used to replace flow?

While the synonyms stem and flow are close in meaning, 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 flow

Verb

However, the problem with the fire hydrants not working was not due to a lack of water but to an electrical outage preventing water from flowing to the hydrants. —

Elaine Mallon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Jan. 2025 Mediterranean-style homes also focus on bright natural light, with oversized windows and front doors and open spaces that allow fresh breezes to flow. —

Lauren Gallow, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2025

Noun

Game flow: The Heat led 29-23 after the first period and 66-48 at halftime. —

Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2025 In 2024, superconductivity—the flow of electric current with zero resistance—was discovered in three distinct materials. —

Charlie Wood, WIRED, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for flow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flow

Verb

The Hunter is currently available to stream on digital video-on-demand platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Fandango At Home.

Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
The milestone followed Pratt's heartfelt plea to followers to stream the album and help generate income after the couple lost their Pacific Palisades home in the devastating California wildfires.

John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025