issue 1 of 2

Definition of issuenext

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
This is the latest start to the tour season because The Sentry at Kapalua on Maui was canceled due to water issues. Arkansas Online, 16 Jan. 2026 Weir, the guitarist and jam-band pioneer who co-founded the Grateful Dead and continued their legacy in the 21st century with Furthur, Dead & Company and more, died last week due to underlying lung issues after fighting cancer. Lars Brandle, Billboard, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
Federal officials and family members confirmed Wednesday that Rummler was issued a citation for disorderly conduct — a misdemeanor — after the shooting. Sean Emery, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026 Following the incident, Notre Dame Athletics issued a statement denying that Freeman had been involved in an assault. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • The risk of an attack had ebbed, but the outcome would ultimately depend on a meeting between the two leaders.
    Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Creative expression as a path to healing Art therapy offers a similar reset, focusing on expression rather than outcomes.
    Nicole Nielsen, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Their last wild-card exit came in 2001 at Green Bay.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • But in the whirlwind world of the NFL, anything is possible, especially after an early exit from an otherwise uplifting campaign.
    Mike Kaye Updated January 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Across the hallway from Atlantis Kids Adventures is The Gamers Reef, a classic arcade with everything from Pac-Man to driving games, which may appeal to parents (especially those raised in the ’80s) even more than their offspring.
    Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
  • In pitting his offspring against each other in a battle for the family empire Rupert Murdoch became part of a tale as old as time… A tale well told in Gabe Sherman’s Bonfire of the Murdochs.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • When there were previous changes to the government’s vaccine recommendations, new evidence published in the scientific literature or presented by vaccine makers would be evaluated by the CDC’s vaccine advisers, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 15 Jan. 2026
  • 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, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Yet again, Netflix has released a Harlan Coben adaptation on New Year’s Day—and again it’s written by Danny Brocklehurst (Fool Me Once).
    Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The sateen weave strikes the perfect balance for fall—breathable enough to release pesky heat and moisture, yet cozy and smooth enough to snuggle into on cooler nights.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This move risks dangerous results from the military and security establishment in the country, as well as the substantial Cuban contingent working in the security sphere.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
  • According to Fox 5, citing a flight expert, the unusual incident may not have been the result of a hard landing, but a possible malfunction in the aircraft’s automatic braking system.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Solutions can be as simple as adding foam insulation or installing outlet sealers.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 16 Jan. 2026
  • The outlet also said that Rezaei maintained that Iran would abandon any notion of a ceasefire if attacked.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But some of the most substantial evidence for longevity consistently points to a short list of humble staples, including legumes, whole grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
    Rachel Macpherson, Outside, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Just as memorable was the opportunity to walk through storied vineyards, and to taste the fruits of Champagne.
    David Swanson, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

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