ISSUE Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

issue 1 of 2

noun

ˈi-(ˌ)shü

Definition of issue next

as in outcome

a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause one of the issues of the Civil War was a resolution to the question of states' rights

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

as in to publish

to produce and release for distribution in printed form plans to issue a monthly newsletter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to release

to throw or give off a volcano issuing vast clouds of hot ash

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 issue

Noun

Threatening to charge opposing counsel with a crime could be seen as an intimidation tactic that could backfire and create issues the defense can raise on appeal, said Jason B. Blank, president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. —

Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2025 The suburbs are seeking a voice in transit issues, including key concerns such as paratransit service, better connections in bus service and the ability to use one pass for all types of transit. —

Sarah Freishtat, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2025

Verb

After an evacuation alert was issued, Colvin rushed from work and spent five hours in traffic trying to save his dogs from his home. —

Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 13 Jan. 2025 Still, Walden isn’t expected to be eligible for public matching funds when the Campaign Finance Board issues its second round of payments Wednesday. —

Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for issue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue

Noun

The outcome reflected shifts in the power balance in Lebanon and the wider Middle East, with Shi’ite Muslim Hezbollah badly pummeled from last year’s war, and its Syrian ally Bashar al-Assad toppled in December.

Reuters, NBC News, 9 Jan. 2025
The best possible outcome is a public unmasking of his motives.

Paul Hockenos, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025