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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.
There are continuing talks in Washington about extending the subsidies in the Affordable Care Act, but a plan has not emerged. State House News Service, Boston Herald, 25 Nov. 2025 The Tritons’ passing attack with emerging Preston Beck could give the Griffins’ secondary trouble. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 24 Nov. 2025 After persevering through all seven terraces, master and pupil emerge at the top of the mountain, which, in Dante’s sacred geography, is the location of the Garden of Eden, the last cleansing stop before Paradise. Claudia Roth Pierpont, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025 Half of all awards are reserved for first and second features through a dedicated selection committee for emerging filmmakers. Lise Pedersen, Variety, 24 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emerge

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of emerge was in 1640

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emerge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emerge. Accessed 2 Dec. 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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