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
Sydney and Scooter are totally confident and comfortable in their relationship, and there are no trust issues going on. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 The summit's agenda included exchanging views on global and regional issues, reviewing efforts to develop Russia-ASEAN ties and discussing areas and tasks for future cooperation. ABC News, 18 June 2026
Verb
The complaint against Bastien cited a cease-and-desist letter issued to her in Missouri preventing her from working in that state and urged the Florida Board of Nursing, which issued her license, to take action. Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2026 The program has issued 172 grants since 2019, sending a total of more than $84 million into Connecticut’s towns and cities. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • Nonetheless, Ossoff will have to appeal to independents, who will decide the outcome, according to Charles Bullock, a University of Georgia political science professor and expert on Southern politics.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • Researchers have documented positive mental health outcomes associated with participating in BDSM play, including decreasing levels of cortisol, often called our stress hormone.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Other teams that suffered early exits might consider being more aggressive this summer.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • The exit gates were not open as the fire broke out, and some employees were forced to leave behind their vehicles in the parking lot.
    Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Poison dart frogs go the extra (quarter) mile Male poison dart frogs, like many other frogs, are known for transporting their offspring from land to water by carrying the tadpoles on their backs.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 21 June 2026
  • Domestic animals become feral by surviving on their own in the wild and raising their offspring without help from humans.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • His fiction has appeared in the New Yorker, Harper’s Magazine, and Best American Short Stories, among other publications, and his nonfiction has been published in the New York Times, Nation, Boston Globe, and elsewhere.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
  • It’s composed largely of her brilliant, almost painfully intimate essays, originally published in The New Yorker, about the fraught dynamics between mothers and daughters.
    Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • The Lexington County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy was planned for Saturday and additional information will be released Monday.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 20 June 2026
  • Los Angeles police Friday released bodycam footage of an officer killing a woman’s pet dog in a case that has sparked outrage and questions.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • As a result, the concept of animal rights was non-existent and people were free to treat animals like any other inanimate property.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • Whatever the reasons, the result is somewhat ironic.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • The pair will continue to raise Shea as their own and will remain her custodial parents, according to the custody agreement filed on June 12, the outlet reported.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • Avoid entering basements or rooms where electrical outlets or cords are submerged in water.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • The Redland rebrand Established in 2024, the Miami Redland Agritourism District allows agricultural businesses in the area to convert 5% of their parcel to venues for dining, fruit picking, family friendly activities, petting zoos, ATV riding, and other activities.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026
  • With a nose of ripe summer peach, raspberry, and jasmine, this wine has a nice balance of fruit and savory flavors, including strawberry, red plum, sage, and thyme.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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