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 The first report appears to have emanated from local TV news NBC Bay Area, which cited an unnamed source with knowledge of the investigation. Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025 Shooting stars associated with the shower will appear to emanate from a patch of sky — known as a radiant — in the constellation Aquarius, close to the bright star Delta Aquarii, from which the annual event gets its name. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 18 July 2025 But residents complained ceaselessly of the fumes, debris, noise and, occasionally, smoke emanating from the plant. Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 18 July 2025 Summer in Chicago is magic: the buzz of neighborhood festivals, the gleam of sunlight on Lake Michigan and the tantalizing scents of myriad cuisines emanating from our tremendous restaurants. Glenn Eden, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for emanate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emanate
Verb
  • The shower originates from debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle and appears to radiate from the constellation Perseus in the northeastern sky.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Still, the brightest Perseids should shine through, especially during the predawn hours when the constellation Perseus — from which the meteors appear to radiate, hence the shower's name — climbs high in the northeastern sky.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Researchers designed the devices to produce a heat signature and emit a smell designed to attract the pythons, according to the utility company.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Cooling towers, water systems typically located atop buildings, can emit mist containing Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires' disease.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Your essay should not cast you as the unproblematic hero of every story.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Rather than targeting bad actors, AB 84 casts a wide net that will harm schools doing critical work — and, more importantly, harm the students who rely on us.
    Christian Garcia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Emanate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emanate. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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