spring 1 of 2

Definition of springnext

spring

2 of 2

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
Rather less unwelcome is what spring—and then, eventually, the heat of summer—inevitably brings. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 June 2026 Those wind patterns change between spring and summer. Lauren Linder, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Verb
Hope appears to spring eternal that Putin might seek some sort of off-ramp, given his dire stalemate on the battlefield and struggle defending Russian airspace. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 18 June 2026 The holes enhance underfoot compression, absorbing impact and springing you back up into the next step. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for spring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spring
Noun
  • For some, the leap never lands.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 June 2026
  • The job offer makes this program stand out Many job training programs ask people to take a leap of faith.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency cited a military source ​as saying today that the Strait ⁠of Hormuz remains closed, and that the Islamic Revolutionary ⁠Guards Corps Navy has not issued permission for any vessels to transit ‌until ⁠further notice.
    Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • The agent can tell the planner where the source data came from, which parameters the calculation was based on, the decision-tree logic, and, for the mathematically minded, even the formula.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • The inning started with Esteury Ruiz being hit by a pitch and Sanoja laying down a bunt hit to put two runners on with no outs.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 June 2026
  • One of those pundits who is starting to rethink his stance on the Stars and Stripes is 12-time Swedish Player of the Year and FOX Soccer correspondent Zlatan Ibrahimović.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Bond puts increase in value when bond prices fall and interest rates rise, allowing investors to offset losses elsewhere in their portfolios if borrowing costs jump unexpectedly.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 23 June 2026
  • Indiana forward Myisha Hines-Allen jumped into the scrum.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The Lexington County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy was planned for Saturday and additional information will be released Monday.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 20 June 2026
  • Los Angeles police Friday released bodycam footage of an officer killing a woman’s pet dog in a case that has sparked outrage and questions.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Call slid across the plate as the throw from Orioles right fielder Tyler O’Neill took for a long hop to catcher Samuel Basallo.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • The temptation is to job-hop into the AI moment, to find the company that's already figured it out.
    Micha Hershman, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Using a non-comparative, cradle-to-gate method that excluded downstream applications and packaging, the study tracked materials from extraction or waste collection to the final textile-ready product, whether PET chips, staple fiber or yarns.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 17 June 2026
  • The portrait of America as an imperial power cuts against its self-image as a righteous cradle of democracy.
    Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • King’s attorney, Bill Mason, began his presentation by referencing Bosworth’s mentioning a defendant can’t be judged for not testifying in their own defense.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
  • Preliminary construction work is expected to begin soon, and officials estimate the overall project could take at least six years to complete.
    Joan Murray, CBS News, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spring. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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