issue 1 of 2

1
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

issue

2 of 2

verb

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

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.
Recent Examples of issue
Noun
Despite the issues with crime data, Asher said, the drop reported in DC fits a broader picture. N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025 The restaurant was closed because of issues with running water at its sinks, proper hot water temperature, improper refrigeration temperatures and unclean surfaces, according to the inspection report. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
The Kentucky Republican also issued a subpoena to the Department of Justice for records related to Epstein. Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025 In addition to the DOJ subpoena, Comer issued subpoenas seeking testimony from several former government officials. Elena Moore, NPR, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • What distinguishes me is a proven legacy of leadership and tangible outcomes.
    Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The need for transparency in both cost and quality, as well as a greater appreciation of outcomes that matter to patients, applies to every sector, from pharmaceuticals to hospital care.
    Rita Numerof, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Bakish, the sole Paramount CEO who was let go last April, saw a major silver lining to his abrupt exit: a severance package alone worth $69.3 million of his total $87 million in pay for 2024.
    Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The 31-year-old actor joined the soap opera last year, and confirmed his exit from the show in a post on his Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
    Julia Moore, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • To put this to the test, the researchers used an environmental cue – exposing the mothers to cold and darkness – to trigger diapause in her offspring, which was maintained for three months.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 July 2025
  • What Are the Basics of DNA? DNA is the genetic material passed down from an organism to its offspring.
    Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • The book was published several years back by the Us on the Moon and The Theory of Archipelagos author.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
  • According to new research published in the E-Journal of the Excavations of Pompeii, a handful of survivors, destitute wanderers, and treasure hunters continued to call the ruins home for decades.
    Andrew Paul Aug 7, Popular Science, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Blockbusters are released in five or six languages at once.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Details of a motive were not released, and investigators have not said how the suspect and victim were connected.
    Mark Price, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Padres relievers had the better game, but the Kershaw-Vásquez result was a two-run deficit.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Still, analysts said, the spike in wholesale prices may be the result of factors unrelated to tariffs.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • SimilarWeb data indicates that major news outlets like Forbes, CNN, and Daily Mail, have seen traffic slump up to 40% since Google launched AI Overviews.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The suspect reportedly started chaining the alleged victim, whose identity has not been revealed, to the bed in June or July this year, the outlet noted, adding that he's accused of also taking her cell phone, wallet and keys and isolating her from her family, friends and work.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The hanging fruits had been emblazoned with the letters of the Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.
    Veronica Hilbring, Essence.com, 11 July 2017
  • My feeling is generally in the case of summer fruit pies, if things are in season and at their peak bounty, why be skimpy?
    Rick Martinez, Bon Appetit, 8 July 2017

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Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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