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

• arise
• come up
• crop (up)
• materialize
• spring (up)
• surface

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

The 13-year Brood XIX emerges every 13 years, and will be found in more states, including Missouri, than the 17-year Brood XIII, although both are expected to emerge in Illinois and Iowa. —Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 3 May 2024

Barrett had intended to go to college, like his brother, but his plans were crushed when his psychiatric symptoms emerged. —Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 3 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing emerge

• emerge the victor
• emerge victorious
• re-emerge

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