Synonyms of flow

flow 1 of 2

verb

ˈflō 

1

as in to stream

to move in a stream

water was flowing over the dam at a tremendous rate

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stream
• pour
• run
• drip
• roll
• rush
• flood
• ripple
• emanate
• race
• spring
• arise
• issue
• gush
• fountain
• flush
• course
• spurt
• trickle
• overflow
• cascade
• sheet
• effuse
• spout
• inundate
• deluge
• swamp
• engulf
• dribble
• overrun
• disembogue
• wash out
• riffle
• gutter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• back up
• set
• coagulate
• gel
• harden
• congeal
• clot

2

as in to drift

to move or proceed smoothly and readily

as everyone relaxed, the conversation really started to flow

Synonyms & Similar Words

• drift
• glide
• stream
• sail
• slide
• slip
• cruise
• sweep
• breeze
• speed
• race
• brush
• coast
• fly
• roll
• rush
• skim
• bowl
• whisk

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• struggle
• limp
• flounder
• stumble
• lumber
• shuffle
• trudge
• labor
• plod
• stamp
• toil
• stomp
• tramp
• stump
• shamble

flow

2 of 2

noun

as in flood

Related Words

• flood
• inflow
• torrent
• inundation
• overflow
• influx
• income
• deluge
• affluence
• spate
• flux
• inpouring
• inrush
• tide
• stampede
• river
• stream
• rush

Dissimilar Words

• outflow
• flight
• emigration
• outpouring
• exodus

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

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

Phrases Containing flow

• cash flow