emerge

verb

i-ˈmərj 

emerged; emerging

intransitive verb

1

: to become manifest : become known

new problems emerged

2

: to rise from or as if from an enveloping fluid : come out into view

a diver emerging from the water

3

: to rise from an obscure or inferior position or condition

someone must emerge as a leader

4

: to come into being through evolution

Synonyms of emerge

• arise
• surface
• appear
• happen
• occur

Examples of emerge in a Sentence

The facts emerged after a lengthy investigation.

Several possible candidates have emerged.

She has emerged as a leading contender in the field.

His war record has emerged as a key issue in the election.

when land first emerged from the sea

The cat emerged from its hiding place behind the couch.

animals emerging from a long period of inactivity

Recent Examples on the Web

Its effectiveness will depend on how federal agencies identify emerging threats and respond to companies or individuals that cross legal boundaries. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026

In Hollow Stems Pests can creep into the hollow stems of plants like Joe Pye weed and daylilies only to emerge again when the weather warms. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 6 Nov. 2026

However, hopes for a diplomatic resolution have also emerged after Iran reportedly sent a nuclear proposal to Washington through Qatar, Reuters reported, citing a senior Iranian official. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

While bob trends of late have given way to the super chic lob or the trending clavi-cut, Margot Robbie has emerged with a dramatically shorter, sharper, and much blonder bob. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin emergere, from e- + mergere to plunge — more at merge

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing emerge

• emerge the victor
• emerge victorious
• re-emerge

Rhymes for emerge

• converge
• diverge
• submerge
• upsurge
• demiurge
• dirge
• merge
• purge
• scourge
• serge
• splurge
• spurge

Kids Definition

emerge

verb

i-ˈmərj 

emerged; emerging

1

: to become known or apparent

the facts emerged

2

: to rise from or as if from a fluid : come out into view