issue 1 of 2

1
2
as in exit
a place or means of going out since the lake is the issue of the polluted river, it is becoming polluted as well

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in offspring
the descendants of a person, animal, or plant someone who dies without issue might have their estate turned over to the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Others commented in favor of the removal or against people concerned about the issue. Carter Weinhofer, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025 There is an opportunity that the president's leadership can untangle us from all of these tariff issues, because there's all kinds of economic evidence that our industry here in the U.S. thrives with a zero-for-zero tariff. Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
The traffic alert was issued Saturday at 7:16 p.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Saturday at 7:19 p.m. Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025 On Sunday at 2 p.m. the NWS Newport/Morehead City NC issued a high surf advisory valid from Tuesday noon until Thursday 8 p.m. for West Carteret and Coastal Onslow. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • The attorney said that Ragan is relieved with the outcome of the case and wants to put the incident behind him.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 26 Aug. 2025
  • The same year, other research teams identified productivity-enhancing outcomes for computer programmers who used Github’s Copilot, and for customer-support agents who were given access to proprietary A.I. tools.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Many will wait for a favorable exit because in venture capital and private equity, an exit is always a possibility.
    David Chou, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Broadcast International was first with the news of Durie’s exit.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Only male offspring were analyzed in detail because females showed no autism-like behaviors, and the study used a small sample size for molecular work.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The aim is for the sterile males to mate with females in the wild who then produce no offspring.
    Fernando Llano, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Despite filing his order dismissing Hunt’s claims on Monday, Campbell hasn’t published an opinion explaining his reasoning for siding with the SBC and Guidepost.
    Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • That effect is exacerbated for women: Research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill published in April 2023 found 21% more women face AI job automation than men, even though men outnumber women in the workforce.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Blockbusters are released in five or six languages at once.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Over the years, Mubi has released a number of movies by Iranian, Palestinian and Turkish filmmakers including Jafar Panahi, Mohammad Rasoulof, Saeed Roustayi, Fatih Akin, Hany Abu-Assad, Haifaa Al-Mansour and Elia Suleiman.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Second-year coach Nate Lie’s Jayhawks (3-0-2) accomplished the next best result, however, in playing No. 2-ranked Florida State (2-0-1) to a 1-1 draw before 2,108 enthusiastic fans who made up the third-largest crowd in KU home soccer history.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Just as happened in the Tri-Lakes pilot at the Lake Arrowhead marina, results showed more oxygen and less muck at the bottom, meaning less phosphorus being released.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In doing so, the outlet said Shein hopes to persuade authorities in Beijing to approve its bid for a Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO).
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 20 Aug. 2025
  • The former England striker’s profile dovetails with what Leeds already do well — back-post overloads and quick, direct transitions — and offers a late-game outlet when the press fades.
    Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The hanging fruits had been emblazoned with the letters of the Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.
    Veronica Hilbring, Essence.com, 11 July 2017
  • My feeling is generally in the case of summer fruit pies, if things are in season and at their peak bounty, why be skimpy?
    Rick Martinez, Bon Appetit, 8 July 2017

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Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.

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