issue 1 of 2

Definition of issuenext

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

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 issue
Noun
The exchange also appeared to indicate school administrators recently discussed the issue with Sapp himself. Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026 And for people with an outbreak on their face, there is also a risk of long-term issues such as blindness, facial weakness, and hearing loss. Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 7 May 2026
Verb
In January, the ministry issued an alert on several fatal hantavirus outbreaks, including in the most populous province of Buenos Aires. Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026 Cook County Judge Carl Boyd will issue the verdict in the bench trial. Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • The uncounted ballots would not have affected the outcome of the November statewide special election for Proposition 50, the county office said in a news release Wednesday.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • The outcomes were especially positive for those with lung cancer.
    Devika Rao, TheWeek, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • The former Ottawa head coach rallied the Kings to an 11-6-6 finish to claim the last wild-card spot in the Western Conference, but the Kings were swept by the powerhouse Colorado Avalanche in their fifth consecutive first-round postseason exit.
    Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
  • For Dallas, which had the second-best regular season record in the Western Conference, the early exit from the playoffs was a disappointment.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Adding to the difficulty, the mussels' offspring are microscopic and can travel in water sight unseen.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 May 2026
  • History belies that interpretation, as prior to the amendment, common law prevailed and all (except Blacks, Amerindians and offspring of diplomats) were regarded as citizens at birth (one of the unenumerated rights of the Ninth Amendment).
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • An earlier study, published in the American Economic Journal, found that field-office closures led to a sixteen-per-cent decline in disability recipients in the surrounding areas.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • Along with the launch of its chatbot for clinicians last month, OpenAI also published a wish list that the company described as a blueprint for unlocking AI’s potential to change the broader health care system.
    Brittany Trang, STAT, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • The group, originally signed to RCA Records, released two albums of bustling synth pop and opened for Harry Styles in the late twenty-tens but was cast off in the early days of the pandemic owing to low sales.
    Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
  • Every weekday, the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer releases the Homestretch — an actionable afternoon update, just in time for the last hour of trading on Wall Street.
    Zev Fima,Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Our justice system depends on public confidence, and, as a result, the rules governing lawyers in every state are strict.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • The Sun open the regular season Friday with a road rematch against the Liberty, and the team has some big decisions to make after Sunday’s result with final rosters due Thursday.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • The local outlets reported that the woman works for KLM, an airline that confirmed a cruise passenger who died from hantavirus had traveled on board one of its flights.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • Local media outlets are egging it on, frequently publishing misinformation tinged with fearmongering.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Most adults can aim for about two servings of fruit daily, and juice counts toward that total.
    Gavin Escott, USA Today, 1 May 2026
  • Look for key limes alongside the citrus fruits at your local grocery store—they’re smaller than traditional Persian limes and often have a slightly sweeter flavor.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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