emerge

verb

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

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
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.
Firefighters will continue monitoring the forest in the days ahead for holdover fires that may emerge from this week's storms. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2025 American leaders in Washington cannot continue to rely on Beijing for materials while the Chinese are emerging as a military rival. Kamran Bokhari, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 Inspired by travel, fashion, art, and emerging technologies, the team has completed interiors internationally and in many of South Florida’s most coveted buildings. Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 7 July 2025 Regardless of what emerges as the key issues in the 2025 election cycle, past elections show candidates face an uphill battle just to get voters to the polls. Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for emerge

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of emerge was in 1563

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emerge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emerge. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

emerge

verb
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

More from Merriam-Webster on emerge

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