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
Wind advisories have also been issued for the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the Cape Cod Peninsula for wind gusts up to 45 to 50 mph. Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2025 Brody cited the severity of the crimes and the danger that Colon posed to the community when handing down the sentence, while also issuing a no-contact order for 75 years. Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 11 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
  • Everything is going smoothly until they're interrupted on their exit from Castle Leoch by Malcolm Grant, the man Ellen is promised to marry.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025
  • But Skubal’s subsequent exit would see the Mariners tie the game immediately thanks to one of the evening’s many unlikely heroes.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The team then examined how the virus affected the males’ reproductive system and whether those changes could influence their offspring.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Her organization trains advisers, offers consulting services, and develops tools to help families prepare the next generations for wealth by openly discussing values and helping offspring define their own futures.
    Christina Binkley, Robb Report, 11 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
  • This and that Four Dolphins who were released by the team in August had workouts or visits elsewhere on Friday.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Though the administration has released batches of files to the House Oversight Committee, Democrats point out that most of the information provided to the committee had already been public knowledge.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • It’s long been stated that his departure was the result of a disagreement with van Doesburg over the use of diagonal lines in De Stijl artworks, which van Doesburg supported and Mondrian was against.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 15 Oct. 2025
  • This format typically includes all performances, judge feedback, and elimination results.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Avoid basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Balogun was dangerous throughout his 80-plus minutes against Ecuador, creating problems both with the ball at his feet as an outlet and also with his dangerous runs into the channels.
    Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Today, MyPerlitas offers accessories ranging from rosary-like anklets to mesh fruit bag charms inspired by Colombian food markets.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Carb-rich foods include fruit, grains, beans, dairy products, and starchy vegetables.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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