Synonyms of issue

issue 1 of 2

noun

ˈi-(ˌ)shü 

1

as in outcome

a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause

one of the issues of the Civil War was a resolution to the question of states' rights

Synonyms & Similar Words

• outcome
• result
• resultant
• consequence
• product
• effect
• matter of course
• aftermath
• upshot
• development
• implication
• fate
• fruit
• sequel
• conclusion
• corollary
• child
• sequence
• backwash
• aftereffect
• precipitate
• outgrowth
• ramification
• repercussion
• denouement
• fallout
• dénouement
• side effect
• side reaction
• echo
• by-product
• aftershock
• blowback
• afterclap
• ripple
• offshoot
• spin-off
• afterglow

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reason
• cause
• consideration
• occasion
• factor
• basis
• base
• ground
• causation
• foundation
• antecedent
• source
• determinant
• incentive
• mother
• origin
• stimulus
• spring
• root
• inspiration
• groundwork
• impetus
• instigation

2

as in exit

a place or means of going out

since the lake is the issue of the polluted river, it is becoming polluted as well

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exit
• outlet
• escape
• egress
• release
• mouth
• opening
• vent
• escape hatch
• passage
• gate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• entry
• entrance
• ingress
• access
• entryway
• entranceway
• entree
• entrée

3

as in offspring

the descendants of a person, animal, or plant

someone who dies without issue might have their estate turned over to the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

• offspring
• fruit
• seed
• child
• family
• posterity
• get
• progeny
• spawn
• litter
• hatch
• brood
• young
• stock
• lineage
• kin
• scion

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• parent
• antecedent
• father
• grandfather
• progenitor
• ancestor
• forefather
• forebear
• forbear
• primogenitor
• forebearer

issue

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to publish

to produce and release for distribution in printed form

plans to issue a monthly newsletter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• publish
• print
• reprint
• get out
• come out with
• produce
• put out
• reissue
• contribute
• republish
• copublish
• syndicate
• market
• edit
• manufacture
• serialize
• distribute

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• suppress
• censor

2

as in to release

to throw or give off

a volcano issuing vast clouds of hot ash

Synonyms & Similar Words

• release
• cast
• radiate
• eliminate
• emit
• emanate
• evolve
• send (out)
• shoot
• expel
• discharge
• vent
• exhale
• give out
• throw out
• expire
• irradiate
• pour
• evacuate
• spray
• erupt
• exude
• secrete
• ooze
• jet
• eject
• excrete
• spurt
• gush
• squirt
• spew
• spout
• outpour

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• take up
• absorb
• inhale
• suck (up)
• soak (up)
• sponge

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb issue differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of issue are arise, derive, emanate, flow, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of issue?

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 can derive be used instead of issue?

Although the words derive and issue have much in common, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

Where would emanate be a reasonable alternative to issue?

The synonyms emanate and issue are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 as synonyms of issue?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When might originate be a better fit than issue?

The words originate and issue are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

When is it sensible to use proceed instead of issue?

In some situations, the words proceed and issue are roughly equivalent. However, proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When could spring be used to replace issue?

While in some cases nearly identical to issue, spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

In what contexts can stem take the place of issue?

The words stem and issue can be used in similar contexts, but stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of issue

Noun

First of all, the death penalty is an issue that so many people just don’t even want to talk about or deal with. —Abigail Pesta, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025

Dubas is going to be aggressive with teams that are dealing with salary-cap issues. —Josh Yohe, New York Times, 17 June 2025

Verb

In addition, the AI Bill of Rights, issued in 2022, but unenforceable, was designed to eliminate discrimination against certain groups, emphasizing AI systems be safe, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent, and respect privacy. —Hessie Jones, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

Justices Clarence Thomas, Amy Coney Barrett and Samuel Alito all issued separate concurring opinions to express their views on the case. —June 18, CBS News, 18 June 2025

Phrases Containing issue

• take issue