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issue

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb issue differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of issue are arise, derive, emanate, flow, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of issue?

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 can derive be used instead of issue?

Although the words derive and issue have much in common, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

Where would emanate be a reasonable alternative to issue?

The synonyms emanate and issue are sometimes interchangeable, but emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How are the words flow and spring related as synonyms of issue?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When might originate be a better fit than issue?

The words originate and issue are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

When is it sensible to use proceed instead of issue?

In some situations, the words proceed and issue are roughly equivalent. However, proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When could spring be used to replace issue?

While in some cases nearly identical to issue, spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

In what contexts can stem take the place of issue?

The words stem and issue can be used in similar contexts, but 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 issue
Noun
Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Frank Vaisvilas, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025 Among the top issues on the agenda will the WGA pension and health plans, which are facing a potential shortfall that will need to be addressed. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
Local forecast updates are issued by regional NWS branches via the agency’s website and social media channels. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025 Magistrates typically conduct initial appearances for defendants, while also performing tasks such as setting release conditions for non-capital offenses and issuing arrest warrants. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • Activists there leveraged this wholly unanticipated outcome to accelerate the rise of an organized antislavery campaign after 1783.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The outcome came on a night of decisive wins for candidates in various races aligned with the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • My trusty spreadsheet found exits of chief executive officers were on the rise in a report by workplace consultants at Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Half of the exit fee must be provided upfront as collateral.
    Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The researchers conducted an umbrella review – a high-level evidence summary – of existing reviews to assess their validity concerning acetaminophen and the development of autism or ADHD in offspring.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Back then, however, no one knew what physical substance or mechanism was actually responsible for traits being passed from a parent on to offspring, despite the pioneering genetics work of Gregor Mendel and his pea plants in the 19th century.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • However, carbon substrate structure optimization and catalyst coordination environment modulation must be done simultaneously to maximize the potential of these catalysts, according to study published in Advanced Fiber Materials.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
    Terry Mattingly, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • While the identities of the victims have not yet been released by authorities, the victims were all adults.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Lionsgate released the first official teaser trailer for the forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, on Thursday.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Growth Growth measures how well students performed on the end-of-year tests when compared with the previous year's results.
    Dmitry Martirosov, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2025
  • If accurate even only in part, such a dramatic escalation would cast doubt on the reliability of the election results and put the military at the center of the blame for the outcome.
    Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Avoid basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
  • On Saturday, Yao Chao People’s Cafe, which has about 30 outlets across the country, according to state media, issued an apology on social media.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Citrus and Flavonoid-Rich Fruits Citrus fruits are full of stroke-preventing nutrients, such as vitamin C, folate, and flavonoids.
    Kirstyn Hill, Health, 8 Nov. 2025
  • When eaten fresh, the fruit has the texture of a dry, sweet apple.
    Laura Simpson, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on issue

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