Synonym Chooser

How does the verb emanate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of emanate are arise, derive, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

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

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 would derive be a good substitute for emanate?

In some situations, the words derive and emanate are roughly equivalent. However, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

How are the words flow and spring related as synonyms of emanate?

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

words flowed easily from her pen

When is it sensible to use issue instead of emanate?

While the synonyms issue and emanate are close in meaning, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

In what contexts can originate take the place of emanate?

The meanings of originate and emanate largely overlap; however, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

When could proceed be used to replace emanate?

While in some cases nearly identical to emanate, proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When might spring be a better fit than emanate?

The words spring and emanate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

Where would stem be a reasonable alternative to emanate?

Although the words stem and emanate have much in common, 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 emanate Everything — from the app that pings the cookie drops to the branding strategy that weaponizes nostalgia and novelty — emanates from this Provo facility. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025 Based on past animal studies, Stephan and her team hypothesized that this slow wave emanated from a spot deep in the brain. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025 Orionid meteors appear to emanate from a point in the sky known as a radiant located close to the red giant Betelgeuse. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025 There is a focus on the horrors created by humankind in the series, as well as those emanating from the supernatural. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emanate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emanate
Verb
  • The meteors—the flashes and streaks of light—appear to radiate from the constellation Taurus.
    Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Do this in the early evening while there's still daylight and the ground is radiating heat.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Inspired by how humans cup their ears or bats adjust ear shapes, the team is developing systems that better capture and emit low-power sound for navigation.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Exxon aims to capture 90% of the carbon dioxide emissions emitted by natural gas plants that power data centers, Woods said.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The region saw 30% to 40% fewer ballots cast than in last year’s presidential election, for example.
    Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Sam Claflin was cast in the role of Billy Dunne.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Emanate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emanate. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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