issue 1 of 2

1
2
as in exit
a place or means of going out since the lake is the issue of the polluted river, it is becoming polluted as well

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in offspring
the descendants of a person, animal, or plant someone who dies without issue might have their estate turned over to the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

issue

2 of 2

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
In the pilot, a facial recognition software, which unjustly targets Black people and people of color, creates an issue for their investigation. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 The Chargers already had offensive line injury issues before Alt went down in Week 4. Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
The Social Security Administration will continue to issue retirement and disability benefits, but will furlough 12% of its staff and pause marketing campaigns, according to the agency’s shutdown plan. Terry Moseley, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025 Alex Quinones, an organizer for the AZ On The Rise Coalition, issued a statement explaining the group's position. Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • Think through your ideal outcome—as well as what’s reasonable in your line of work—before the conversation, and request accommodations accordingly.
    Jamie Ducharme, Health, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Research has indicated that women in Haiti develop breast cancer earlier and had worse outcomes.
    Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • According to a criminal complaint obtained by WKBN, Thomas and a woman entered the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium without tickets through a temporary exit amid the zoo's remodeling.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Wall construction has started, beginning at the exit 36 bridge.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Expert help is recommended because a mom, if cornered, likely will defend her offspring.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The decorative leaves of blue hibiscus are palmate, deeply lobed and appear to be the hybrid offspring of an oak leaf and a snowflake.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The History of Emily Montague was published in 1769, but the Canadian Confederation—the alliance of the Province of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into an independent country separate from Great Britain—didn’t occur until 1867.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 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.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • According to reports, the 49ers are releasing Marquez Valdes-Scantling with an injury settlement.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, large crowds of demonstrators gathered on Saturday, urging the government to pressure Hamas to release the bodies.
    Ibrahim Dahman, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Thunder’s pregame party was the result of outlasting the Indiana Pacers in seven thrilling, competitive finals games.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The brand recommends setting aside 30 to 45 minutes to fluff the flame-retardant branches for the most realistic result.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • However, that has all changed over the past few days as reports from outlets including , and uncovered past messages from Platner written on the message board site Reddit – some of which have been deleted as Platner seeks to distance himself from them.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Johnson allegedly then stabbed her several times, according to Kearny Police, per the outlets.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The 59-year-old shared a bikini photo (as per usual) that made many of us want to put the snacks away and pick up some fruit.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Think spooky cocktails and mocktails, or a boo‑cuterie board layered with cheese, fruit, candy, and charcuterie for a festive and easy-to-assemble centerpiece.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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