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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
The next step for the astronomers will be to explore how hot gas flows through NGC 253, changing composition and helping to create new stars. Robert Lea, Space.com, 18 June 2025 So Far The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time As Simon explained, the seven parts of the album flow directly into one another, and some of the melodies and refrains are repeated throughout multiple segments. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025
Noun
Leadership in health care must be approachable: the director who attends training sessions, the doctor who adjusts the waiting room, the nurse who suggests improvements to clinical flow design. Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025 Oil prices have been yo-yoing for days because of rising and ebbing fears that the conflict between Israel and Iran could disrupt the global flow of crude. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for flow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flow
Verb
  • What Time Does The Buccaneers Season 2 Episode 2 Come Out? The Buccaneers season two, episode two, will be available to stream from 9 pm Pacific Time (PT) on June 24, 2025/Midnight Eastern Time (ET) on June 25.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • This, combined with fast solar wind streaming from a large Earth-facing coronal hole, could fuel geomagnetic storm conditions overnight, according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • From the moment Voyager 1 appears on screen, floating in silence, then drifting seemingly out of the theater screen toward the audience, the stereo work adds depth and immersion without ever becoming a gimmick.
    Scott Snowden, Space.com, 18 June 2025
  • Some critics argue General Catalyst’s industrial-scale strategy is drifting from classic venture capital.
    Sindhya Valloppillil, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Nothing quite as splashy there, but reps from Max and Lupin maker Gaumont Television France gave their views on some live issues, as boiling hot temperatures gave way to biblical floods in the mountainous locale.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 June 2025
  • During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • The best player on the floor in Game 5 — a contest that included the NBA’s MVP — Williams poured in 40 points to push the Thunder to a commanding 3-2 lead over the Indiana Pacers.
    Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Touching tributes have poured in on Kuscsik's obituary page since her death.
    Natasha Dye, People.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • And Lamont clearly had no plan to endorse him, even as some prominent Democrats have slowly glided back to Cuomo’s orbit.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2025
  • Its jet-black formula glides on with inky precision and dries down to a bulletproof finish that stays sharp for up to 24 hours (yes, really).
    Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • That would translate in an inflow of more than $1 million over a week as a result of the increase in traverses.
    Leen Al-Rashdan, Fortune, 21 June 2025
  • Furthermore, strong fund inflows into technology funds like the Invesco QQQ Trust during the month of May also reflect the favorable outlook for the sector.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • Carnival will overhaul its loyalty program next year, measuring status largely based on purchases rather than days sailed – and giving guests new ways to earn and redeem benefits.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 19 June 2025
  • American Pilots Are Backing Israel’s Drone Defense, Netanyahu Says New Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Upgrade Now Makes Sense Under the old system, a cruiser who sailed frequently over many years earned lifetime Diamond status based on nights at sea.
    Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • But that hasn't stopped a torrent of big news this week, from exploding Starships to significant reuse milestones being reached in Asia.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025
  • On a purely textual level, the sentences are a torrent, jouncing on rocks, gliding gleefully through mud.
    Jane Alison June 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flow. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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