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flow

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb flow differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of flow are arise, derive, emanate, issue, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

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

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 might derive be a better fit than flow?

The synonyms derive and flow are sometimes interchangeable, but derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

In what contexts can emanate take the place of flow?

The meanings of emanate and flow largely overlap; however, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

When would issue be a good substitute for flow?

In some situations, the words issue and flow are roughly equivalent. However, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When can originate be used instead of flow?

While in some cases nearly identical to flow, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

Where would proceed be a reasonable alternative to flow?

The words proceed and flow can be used in similar contexts, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When is spring a more appropriate choice than flow?

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

an idea that springs to mind

When could stem be used to replace flow?

While the synonyms stem and flow are close in meaning, 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 flow
Verb
Beyond metallurgy, vanadium pentoxide catalyzes sulfuric acid production, and newer applications include vanadium redox flow batteries for large-scale energy storage. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025 Exercise also promotes increased brain blood flow which helps sustain brain volume. Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
Elsewhere, dual islands and black cabinetry highlight the spacious kitchen that flows into a family room featuring an asymmetrical wood-and-stone fireplace. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025 In a small stream that flows through a deep gorge in the heart of India, researchers encountered a fish previously unknown to science. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flow
Verb
  • Lindor was one of many immigrants and asylum seekers who streamed in and out of the building, unsure which of the seven courtrooms scattered across several floors they were supposed to be in.
    Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The final episode of Peacemaker Season 2 begins streaming October 9.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The pajama set is crafted from deep red silk and printed with abstract nude figures — a motif inspired by bodies in motion and drifting smoke, as well as the photography of Arno Nobles.
    Hanna McNeila, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Still, Nevo's mind often drifts to the moment in Gaza when Palestinian militants detonated explosives in a home, wounding him and killing two close friends in his army unit.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Turning Point is an American conservative organization with chapters at over 2,000 colleges nationwide and has received a flood of support and requests for new chapters in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death, amid the backdrop of rising fears of political violence in the USA.
    Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • TikTok creators and influencers have been filming themselves pouring honey onto a spoon, or even on the back of their hand, and sprinkling it with salt — many opting for natural options of both — and taking a dose before heading to the gym.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • More than 27 wineeries from Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe will pour tastings of more than 65 different wines, and Valle executive chef Roberto Alcocer will prepare accompanying gourmet bites.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But their insect-like movements hint at a future where fleets of miniature robots could glide across water, performing tasks once too dangerous or delicate for humans.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
  • In the underwater footage, a barracuda is shown gliding through turquoise-green waters, very close to the camera.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Removing the limits of foreign ownership may boost foreign inflows into Saudi Arabia but won’t translate to a meaningful boost outside the stock market, according to this report from advisory firm Capital Economics.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • With half a year of essentially no population growth, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government must decide whether to keep its tight lid on inflows or bring in more workers.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In the fourth inning, Los Angeles got a run on Kolek’s throwing error that sailed into center field.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
  • What looked like an errant football snap sailed over Torkelson’s head and rolled deep down the first-base line.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The death of Banda Amidst the torrents, Arisu follows the sound of Usagi’s voice, as they are both swept towards a watery vortex that leads to the world of the dead.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
  • But a new technology blasted past these limitations and unleashed a torrent of creativity on the web.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flow. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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