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spring

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb spring differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spring are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

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

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 is it sensible to use derive instead of spring?

In some situations, the words derive and spring are roughly equivalent. However, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

Where would emanate be a reasonable alternative to spring?

While in some cases nearly identical to spring, 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?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When might issue be a better fit than spring?

Although the words issue and spring have much in common, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When would originate be a good substitute for spring?

The meanings of originate and spring largely overlap; however, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

When could proceed be used to replace spring?

The synonyms proceed and spring are sometimes interchangeable, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

In what contexts can stem take the place of spring?

While the synonyms stem and spring 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

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 spring
Noun
Over the past 10 days, Kansas City’s weather has seemed rather cold-ish for spring. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025 Kentucky has experienced a spate of dangerous severe weather this spring, from violent storms to devastating floods that have caused significant damage and loss of life. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
Verb
Frankenstein’s monster and bride sprang to life in Darkmoor Village, the section of the park dedicated to Universal’s classic monsters. Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025 Spring, summer, fall, winter – and then spring again. Linda McNamar, Oc Register, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for spring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spring
Noun
  • Don’t take big leaps that don’t align with your desires (i.e., with no chance for reward).
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025
  • The story is thoughtful and also takes provocative leaps: Mark envisions conversations with saints whose sexuality was erased in interpretations of the Bible.
    George Gene Gustines, New York Times, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • Charlie Davis Season: 46 Placed: 2nd If Q was the hurricane blowing through Survivor 46, Davis was a source of calm geniality at the center, constantly quoting Taylor Swift songs while obscuring his careful, clever gameplay.
    Ben Rosenstock, Time, 29 May 2025
  • In addition, with Serge Gnabry a year away from being a free agent, Leroy Sane’s contract renewal increasingly tenuous, and Kingsley Coman another likely departure, the wide forwards positions — which have so often been a source of such power — need regenerating.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Born with Sickle Cell Disease, Woolford started a non-profit, Sickle Cell Reproductive Education Directive, that advocates for patients like herself.
    Katia Riddle, NPR, 28 May 2025
  • Wealth-creating liquidity readiness starts well before the deal.
    Michael Platner, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • The Knicks’ starters were outscored by 29 points over the first two games, and Indiana jumped out to a first-quarter lead both nights.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
  • Set three saw a complete turnaround as the Crusaders jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back, notching four aces in the set.
    Tim Meehan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • However, he was granted his request at the Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, May 21, according to the BBC, and was released on a $6.7 million bail.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • The Devil Wears Prada 2, a sequel to the 2006 film that starred Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, is now set to release May 1.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Kudos to Kendrick for breaking these barriers as a hip hop artist, because the game is changing and the artists have to change with it.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 2 June 2025
  • On a short United hop from Chicago O'Hare to Peoria, Illinois, a single ticket cost $269.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Spanning 17 autonomous regions and two small enclaves in North Africa, the country is a cradle of diverse cultures, geography, traditions, even languages.
    Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 28 May 2025
  • Bonus: There are cradles for your dumbbells, along with a tablet holder.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • In Afghanistan, a war that began after 9/11, 2,465 American lives were lost, and half that many allied troops in the campaign to oust Al Qaeda.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
  • The 3-1 deficit proved too much for the Dodgers to surmount — ending a day that had begun with so much optimism around Ohtani’s two-way talents with a dud of a performance and frustrating series loss in Queens.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spring. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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