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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
Global design firm Populous led the architecture and interior design of the redevelopment, streamlining the passenger flow for arrivals and introducing more natural materials and a sense of place. AFAR Media, 11 July 2025 Large crowds can pose safety risks, so travelers should stay calm, move with the flow, and have a reunification plan. Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Noun
The show-stopping outfit featured Calvin Klein’s iconic typography prominently displayed across the waistband of the matching set, as well as on a dramatic winged cape that flowed effortlessly behind her. Mecca Pryor, Essence, 11 July 2025 This three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,600-square-foot cabin from 1976 sat on a wooded 18-acre lot with a river flowing through it, and was a short drive from Little Washington. Michele Lerner, New York Times, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for flow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flow
Verb
  • Day two coverage will be streamed exclusively on MLB.com.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
  • Here is what the upcoming episode schedule looks like: Episode 4: July 13 Episode 5: July 20 Episode 6: July 27 Episode 7: August 3 Episode 8 / Season Finale: August 10 Episodes 1, 2 and 3 have aired and are available to stream on Max.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, much of the Upper Midwest on Saturday was dealing with swaths of unhealthy air because of drifting smoke from Canadian wildfire.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 July 2025
  • But while Carreras had much of the left flank to himself at Benfica, things will be more congested at Madrid, with Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe often drifting over to that side in search of the ball.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • These funds are earmarked to directly aid flood relief and recovery efforts, providing essential support to families and communities grappling with the aftermath of the severe weather event.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 14 July 2025
  • Eight Camp Mystic structures fall within the most dangerous flood zone on FEMA maps, but that number jumps to 17 on maps from the First Street foundation — a nonprofit which takes current climate events into account and shares their models with the public.
    Bill Weir, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Slowly pour over cake mix to cover dry ingredients.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • Once footage of the performance hit the Internet and rave reviews appeared in the U.K. press, offers for festival and headlining gigs soon poured in, leaving the band stunned.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Sci-fi speedboats gliding above the water, backed by a rotating cast of celebrities.
    Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • But Ontario International Airport came in at No. 15, Hollywood Burbank Airport is at 14, John Wayne Airport landed at No. 12, and Long Beach Airport glided in at No. 2.
    Jim Radcliffe, Oc Register, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Capping off a weekend rally fueled by record ETF inflows, investor optimism, and growing institutional interest.
    Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Public companies have also been on a bitcoin buying spree and outpaced bitcoin ETF inflows in the second quarter.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Boaters can set out from the property and sail into Vineyard Harbor and the open waters beyond.
    Mary Forgione, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Inspired by Soap Box Derby races, they were engineered simply so families could assemble them at home for kids to learn to sail.
    Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Fucci, who was staying near the Guadalupe River, filmed on her phone a torrent of muddy water flooding the road to her grandmother's house.
    Susan Miller, USA Today, 6 July 2025
  • Trump’s second term has unleashed a torrent of assaults on protest and dissent, from revoking visas and disappearing activists, to withholding federal funds from universities that won’t dismantle diversity initiatives.
    Time, Time, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flow. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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