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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
The usual late spring / early summer version of the French Open brings some cloudy, heavy days but mostly bright sunshine and warm-to-hot temperatures. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 Plant tulips Tulips are definitely the most colorful of all of the spring flowering bulbs. Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
Or might a loss at Carolina next Sunday immediately spring open that pen and let the wolves back out full-throated? Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 Her new political thriller depicts a group of US government officials springing into action after a single missile is launched at the US. Rachel Choy, Refinery29, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spring
Noun
  • While Nashville has grown by leaps and bounds, so have its smaller surrounding cities, as people flock to the suburbs, eager to enjoy small-town charm while staying close to the conveniences of a major metro.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The show takes a major leap in characterizing the relationship between Gein and hardware store owner/manager Bernice Worden as romantic.
    JR Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Some workers, whose programs have alternative funding sources, continue to be paid on time.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2025
  • During his own speech, Sean asked Leaper to name KU’s backfield that started the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Three people were hospitalized, and Arnold Goodstein reportedly broke both legs after jumping out of a backyard window.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Wilder immediately jumped into the stands and apologised, before being sent off by the referee.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This and that Four Dolphins who were released by the team in August had workouts or visits elsewhere on Friday.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Though the administration has released batches of files to the House Oversight Committee, Democrats point out that most of the information provided to the committee had already been public knowledge.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Hike to the top of Mary’s Rock for incredible views of the Shenandoah Valley, or hop on Skyline Drive for the scenic drive of a lifetime.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Another inmate nearly shanked the hip hop mogul but was stopped by a guard, attorney Brian Steel said.
    Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In the photos, Travis can be seen down on one knee as Swift cradles his face in the sweet moment.
    Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2025
  • During the negotiations between Obama and Raúl, there was still the idea that somehow parts of the revolution—its socialist project—could be saved, and that Cuba could somehow transmogrify into a fairer, more modern place with a social cradle.
    Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That’s where the adjustments will begin for the Mercury as the series flips back to Phoenix for Wednesday’s Game 3.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • If a permit is granted, Conway estimated construction on the plant could begin in the early 2030s, and the plant could come online in 2038 or 2039.
    Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spring. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on spring

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