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
For two teams that have had their share of injury issues with quarterbacks, Sunday’s matchup between Atlanta and Tampa Bay has some intriguing storylines. — AJC.com, 1 Nov. 2026 Despite this being an 80-20 issue, most people don't want their name attached to their opinions on this matter. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Verb
Drafting a reply to a customer gives a person something to review, but actually issuing the refund changes a customer’s account. — Swapnil Upganlawar, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 While Walmart did not issue a press release, recalled items can usually be returned to the place of purchase for a refund. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • Radical Numerics has not revealed the clinical outcomes of the patient who was given the AI virus, and the study has yet to be peer-reviewed.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The model uses a World Reasoning Action Model (WRAM) architecture to connect task reasoning, outcome prediction, and action generation.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • According to PitchBook, there have been 504 defense PE deals but just 101 exits since 2021, although the comparison includes add-on acquisitions and therefore does not directly measure the proportion of investments awaiting an exit.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • According to studio exit-polling estimates, nearly 70 percent of the $7 million movie’s audience is under 35, a feat for a film that gurus of gold also widely predict will become the first documentary nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award.
    — Chris Lee, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Schubarth subsequently bred offspring of the Montana Mountain King to captive bighorn ewes on his farm west of Great Falls.
    — Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 29 Oct. 2026
  • First elephant to be born at KC Zoo The calf will be the first offspring of parents Zuri, a 17-year-old female, and Tamani, a 21-year-old male.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This week, a Boston University study was published that analyzed the medical records of more than 2,000 deceased former NFL players.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • By chance, Bialy located just such a map by striking up a conversation at a conference with the astrophysicist Troy Porter of Stanford University, who had made a map but had yet to publish it.
    — Perri Thaler, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The latest figures, released in April and based mostly on 2024 data, actually reflect a slowdown from earlier jumps.
    — Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • On October 24, 2006, Taylor Swift was released—the debut album by a 16-year-old with blonde curls, cowboy boots, and a special talent for turning heartbreak into hits.
    — Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Dividing the task between specialist biocomputing groups returned even higher results (about 80%).
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
  • There’s a lot left to get back on the right track — especially with the New York Giants figuring things out at the top of the division — but Monday’s result could serve as the launching pad for a run in the next few weeks.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Leftist mainstream media outlets piled on this week to express outrage at my observation, during a speech in Grand Rapids for Mike Rogers, about the troubling dearth of scientific output from the world’s 22 Arab nations over the past five decades.
    — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Both artists explained the decision to revisit the project in a statement released to media outlets this week.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Pitaya has a fascinating growing process, and the tour offers a closer look at the varieties, plants, and flowers behind the fruit.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Upstairs, his aunts and uncles were awash in light, eating fruit salad out of large bowls and drinking strong black coffee.
    — Madeline ffitch, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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