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 Crowley later played the romantic interest of Lloyd Bridges on the 1975-76 CBS cop drama Joe Forrester, which emanated from an episode of the anthology series Police Story, and recurred as Emily Fallmont during the sixth season of the ABC primetime soap Dynasty in 1986. Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 2025 But there is also palpable optimism emanating from within the organization and unlike a year ago, that optimism is palpable externally as well. Arpon Basu, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 Footage of the aftermath of the collision posted on social media shows a large fire and pillars of dark smoke emanating from the wreckage. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025 Conventional astronomy relies on electromagnetic waves – like light – but gravitational waves are an independent messenger that can emanate from objects that don’t emit light. Chad Hanna, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emanate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emanate
Verb
  • For more than four years, Lynn Milam's life was bound by the pain that radiated from her swollen joints.
    Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Sep. 2025
  • What had seemed an impossible task transformed into a practical matter of six little arrows, radiating around a central concept.
    Zadie Smith, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ultrasonic Devices Generally silent to human ears, ultrasonic devices emit a high-frequency sound that rats can’t stand.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Peacock tail feathers can be treated to emit laser beams.
    Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Viewers may cast up to 10 votes per voting method, with a maximum of 20 votes per couple each week.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Ellis has been cast as Bill Gibson, a charismatic, successful investment banker who is admired for being his firm’s highest-earning managing director.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Emanate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emanate. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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