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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 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes that cardiac anaphylaxis can cause reduced blood flow to the heart (myocardial ischemia) and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) when triggered by an allergy to insect venom. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025 Trump has demanded that Beijing do more to stop the flow of such precursor ingredients to Mexican drug cartels, which use them to make fentanyl for sale in the U.S. Elaine Kurtenbach, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Noun
The halter neckline, open back, and flowing fabric give it a breezy, resort-ready vibe—especially in the muted sage green. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025 Afterward, the wine that flows down the mountainside is absorbed back into the soil or washed away by the rain, officials said. Isabelle Rodney, CNN Money, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for flow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flow
Verb
  • As of July 1, officers in Detroit continue to search for the gunman following the double-fatal shooting Friday, June 27, at Skinner Park, police said in a news briefing streamed by WXYZ.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
  • The hour will be available everywhere comedy is streamed or sold starting on July 29.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
  • The crash occurred when the Chevrolet Silverado pickup the man was driving west on Broadway near Sweetwater Road drifted into oncoming traffic around 8 p.m., Sgt.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • And that flood will continue for 10 years straight as the Rubin Observatory executes its signature project, dubbed the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST).
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 July 2025
  • Without good plumbing, teams can drown in a flood of false positives or irrelevant data.
    Alex Lanstein, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The palest yellow light, sunshine pouring in from another world.
    Ottessa Moshfegh, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • The growth of Newcastle’s women’s team has continued under Mitchell, who poured resources into the squad for their first Championship campaign and formed a strong bond with Becky Langley, the manager.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 30 June 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
  • Among engaged community members, a tweet or Instagram post about a crypto project can trigger an inflow of new users, and this is being recognized and rewarded.
    Charles Wayn, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Year after year, our trade deficit is matched by an inflow of foreign investment.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement The adventures of these mercenaries-on-a-mission will dovetail with those of a small family, who were sailing around in the ocean for kicks when an unpleasant prehistoric sea beast overturned their boat.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 June 2025
  • Luminara, the third vessel from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, will be the first to sail to Asia, Canada, and Alaska.
    Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 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 12 Jul. 2025.

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