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
Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more. Bradford Betz, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025 Bieber has been public about past health issues, including his mental health struggles, dealing with temporary facial paralysis in 2023 due to Ramsay Hunt syndrome and a Lyme disease diagnosis in 2020. Lisa Respers France, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
On Friday at 2:03 a.m. a winter weather advisory was issued by the NWS San Diego CA valid between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. for Riverside County Mountains. Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025 The National Weather Service (NWS) issued Red Flag Warnings for ten states across the Midwest and South on Friday, with meteorologists warning that any fires started could spread rapidly. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • Putin spoke of it almost as a law of nature, never mentioning that the Kremlin enforced such outcomes.
    Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • While different courts may reach different outcomes, the broader legal questions can percolate before the Supreme Court may ultimately step in with a resolution.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • And a semifinal exit from the ACC Tournament cast enough doubt for the Irish to tumble to a No. 3 seed.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Bachelet, who served as Chile’s president from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2014 to 2018, had a controversial exit as U.N. human rights chief in 2022.
    Stéphanie Fillion, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • There’s a vast generation gap between immigrants and their Americanized offspring; Indian and Pakistani elders harbor prejudices dating back to partition.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Excepting Britt Lower’s Helena, who is coded as a child, the offspring of Jame Eagan, the outies have exhausted their arcs.
    Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This story was originally published March 16, 2025 at 7:35 PM.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2025
  • This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 7:40 AM.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The pope had previously only been seen once during his lengthy hospital stay when the Vatican released a photograph of Francis praying at the hospital’s chapel.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
  • First-look images for the special were released today by Disney+.
    Tom Tapp, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That goal against came as a direct result of Pontus Holmberg badly losing a puck battle in the defensive zone, too.
    Nick Ashbourne, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Accepting the results with a composed yet sobering tone, Shyne acknowledged the democracy.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Prince Harry praises Duchess in 'With Love, Meghan,' host confirms name change The Department of Homeland Security, on the judge's order, will release a redacted version of Harry's application no later than Tuesday, according to court filings obtained by the outlets.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Sources close to the investigation previously told ABC News and Dominican news outlet El Nacional that the missing student's clothes were found on a chaise lounge on the beach and noted there were no signs of violence.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 17 Mar. 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 28 Mar. 2025.

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