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 Not the voice of someone, not even the collective voice of many someones, but a voice emanating from no one at all. ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025 So that the great humanity that Toni emanates just with this face would suffice. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025 In a wide-ranging interview, a senior Israeli diplomat has shared with Newsweek his nation's strategy for realizing lasting change across several fronts that have been embroiled in a nearly two-year war, as well as addressing growing backlash emanating from allies, including the United States. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025 Numerous recent hoax incidents have emanated from overseas, according to officials, complicating efforts to locate the perpetrators. Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emanate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emanate
Verb
  • Gynecological Conditions Problems in the female reproductive organs can cause radiating pain to the lower right back.
    Brandi Jones, Health, 6 Sep. 2025
  • How to change a system with a prototype Walton and Makhija’s ambitions start locally, but quickly radiate outwards.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Carbon is still emitted from the tailpipe of a car running on the fuel, but since pre-existing carbon was used to create the fuel in the first place, no more is being created or added to the environment, hence the claim of sustainability.
    Alistair Charlton, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Oxygen can produce green or red, while nitrogen emits blue or purplish hues.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Though the bill is yet to be finalized, the orbital station is cast as the linchpin of sustainable exploration to enable longer stays, partner investment and cislunar monitoring.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The stages of the eclipse include penumbral and umbral phases, which refer to the two main parts of the shadow that the moon casts.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on emanate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!