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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
In a joint statement, 111 international humanitarian organizations called on Israel to end its blockade, restore the full flow of food, clean water and medical supplies to Gaza, and agree to a ceasefire. Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 23 July 2025 More than 100 largely aid and rights groups on Wednesday called for governments to take action as hunger spreads in Gaza, including by demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the lifting of all restrictions on the flow of humanitarian aid. Daphne Psaledakis, USA Today, 23 July 2025
Noun
Figma and top stockholders sold about 37 million shares at $33 per share late Wednesday, yielding around $412 million in proceeds flowing to the company. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2025 The prospective deal is the latest example of rising investment flows between the Gulf and China. Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flow
Verb
  • Despite the show gaining more exposure by streaming on Netflix and Peacock, ratings apparently weren't helped enough to save the series.
    Michileen Martin, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • As this author reported in the local Khaleej Times newspaper, Warner Bros. World is the first theme park in the Middle East to appear on the Global Attractions Attendance report with 1.8 million visitors streaming through its turnstiles in 2023.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • As agencies begin translating priorities into rules and funding decisions, implementation could drift into partisan favoritism.
    Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Lionel drifts through Europe in his twenties and thirties, building a new life of profound success and happiness, and experiencing new loves.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
  • Earlier this month, Grok praised Adolf Hitler in comments about the Texas floods and spewed antisemitism.
    Chris Eudaily, CNBC, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Following news of Reid’s death, tributes poured in across social media from fans and friends alike.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Upon the news of Osbourne’s death, tributes poured in from Jack White, Metallica, Rob Zombie and Elton John, who all shared tributes to the legendary rocker on social media.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Wearing a protective mask after seriously injuring his face during a match in 2021, Victor Osimhen may as well have been gliding around with a cape for Napoli as the club won the Serie A title in 2022/23.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • After four weeks of Venus in your sign boosting your magnetism and charm, Venus now glides into Cancer on July 30th, shifting your attention to security, self-worth, and material comfort.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 27 July 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
  • Much of the stock market's rise this year can be attributed to the torrent of capital spending from the companies known as hyperscalers, which is supposed to top $350 billion in 2025.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 25 July 2025
  • Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains.
    Andrew Ford, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flow. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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