stem

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb stem differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stem are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, and spring. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

How are the words arise and rise related as synonyms of stem?

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 stem?

The words derive and stem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

When is it sensible to use emanate instead of stem?

Although the words emanate and stem have much in common, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How do flow and spring relate to one another, in the sense of stem?

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

words flowed easily from her pen

In what contexts can issue take the place of stem?

In some situations, the words issue and stem are roughly equivalent. However, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When would originate be a good substitute for stem?

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

the fire originated in the basement

When might proceed be a better fit than stem?

The words proceed and stem can be used in similar contexts, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When is spring a more appropriate choice than stem?

The synonyms spring and stem are sometimes interchangeable, but spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

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 stem Proponents say such policies benefit the broader public, too, allowing workers to stay home when sick or to care for ill family members to stem the spread of infectious diseases. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 1 Nov. 2024 Yet 244 years after Yusuf Ben Ali's contributions to America's independence, with roots stemming back to our nation's founding, American-Muslims still struggle to find our place in America. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 Meanwhile, Eric Trump and his brother, Don Jr., suddenly in charge of their father’s business, stemmed the bleeding inside the Trump Organization by slashing development expenses while selling off real estate. Dan Alexander, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 If approved, this could make some of the best performing mutual funds more easily accessible to investors, while also helping to stem outflows from asset managers by clients who prefer ETFs. Jesse Pound, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stem 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stem
Verb
  • The Biden administration has ramped up efforts that have so far failed to secure cease-fires to end Israel’s deadly assault on Gaza and secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas, as well as halt Israel’s bombardment and fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
    Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024
  • The plane maker had seen most of its airplane production halted since the middle of September as more than 32,000 of its unionized machinists went on strike .
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • In August 2024, the Financial Times reported that 40% of more than 100 projects evaluated were delayed.
    James Morton Turner, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2024
  • This year, state laws still in place in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin prohibiting election workers from counting early votes until Election Day are expected to delay results again.
    Rachel Barber, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Next week: Mesa Ridge at Montrose, TBA No. 3 Pueblo West beat No. 19 Golden, 49-7: Two weeks removed from their first loss of the season, the Cyclones ended a streak of three straight Round of 16 exits with a rout of Golden.
    Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 17 Nov. 2024
  • The president-elect, who has vowed to end federal policies that encourage EV sales, has previously targeted environmental regulations that mandate lower-pollution emissions.
    Pat Maio, Orange County Register, 16 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Donations dwindle, while volunteers from the opposite side of the country stop coming or divert to another disaster.
    Jess Craig, Vox, 17 Nov. 2024
  • Johnny can’t stop holding onto his baggage with Kreese, but Daniel is dealing with something even bigger.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • As first reported by the Associated Press, their discovery concludes a decades-long mystery about their whereabouts while highlighting numerous stories previously lost to history.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
  • In a classified assessment prepared in early October, U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russia, which favors Donald Trump, and Iran, which prefers Kamala Harris, were both plotting covert propaganda campaigns to sow post-election discord over the vote counting.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • According to reporting from the New York Daily News, REBNY struck a private deal with then-Councilwoman Marjorie Velázquez, who was chair of the Consumer and Worker Protection Committee and blocked the bill from coming up for a hearing.
    Clio Chang, Curbed, 13 Nov. 2024
  • But after a federal judge blocked the merger over concerns that the combination of the two budget airlines would be anti-competitive, Spirit and JetBlue called off their $3.8 billion deal this past March.
    Quartz Staff, Quartz, 13 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • He was arrested in Savannah and is charged with felony counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, and obstruction of law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., said in a statement.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Prosecutors were accusing Bundy of possessing firearms in a federal facility and of conspiring to impede federal officers.
    Matt Thompson, SPIN, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Some voters may view restrictions on electioneering as suppressing their First Amendment rights, Huefner noted.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024
  • The crowd erupted, and Jimmy celebrated behind him, while Jey tried to suppress his laughter.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near stem

Cite this Entry

“Stem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stem. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on stem

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!