issue

Definition of issuenext

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 The Swedish federation didn’t issue a statement and did not immediately respond to a request for one from The Athletic, but notably, any Swedish player in the KHL is banned from playing for the national team. Chris Johnston, New York Times, 3 June 2026 Ticket holders can either keep their existing tickets for the replacement performances — with partial refunds automatically issued because of the lower ticket price — or request full refunds through Etix by June 8. From Staff Reports, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026 Last year, global data centers used 448 trillion watt-hours of electricity, more than all but 10 countries of the world, said the report issued Wednesday. ABC News, 3 June 2026 Six of the walks were issued during Catawba’s seven-run fifth, including five walks in a row. Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Verb
  • This is at least the third time since September 2024 that state media has published photos of Kim inspecting a uranium enrichment or nuclear material production facility.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
  • Videos published online and geolocated by NBC News showed a blazing fire inside the airport, surrounded by debris and heavy smoke as people ran for cover.
    Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • An estimate from the British spy agency GCHQ released Wednesday put the total Russian death toll at 500,000, citing new information.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • The World’s 50 Best Restaurants has released international dining guides since 2002.
    Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Choose from solid and printed one-pieces and separates.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
  • Various factors go into determining whether the signatures match, including the slant of the signature, whether it is printed or written in cursive, and the size, proportions or scale.
    Paris Barraza, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Sennott, 30, appeared alongside Hacks star Hannah Einbinder, Saturday Night Live cast member Ashley Padilla, Keke Palmer, and Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson on The Hollywood Reporter's Comedy Actresses Roundtable.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
  • Massive drills of Russia’s nuclear forces earlier this month and a series of belligerent statements from Moscow warning Kyiv’s European allies about possible retaliation for what the Kremlin cast as their involvement in Ukrainian drone attacks have underlined Putin’s intention to up the ante.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Insulate sun-facing walls and garage doors to block heat from radiating inside.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 2 June 2026
  • Your beauty radiates from your core.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Democrats have said their first amendment Thursday morning will be to eliminate the fund and send the immigration spending bill back to committee.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026
  • Building on its successful rollout in Brazil, Juspay is expanding Click to Pay globally to eliminate manual card entry, which minimizes checkout friction, reduces cart abandonment and boosts conversion rates.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Looking for invisible matter Because dark matter does not emit light, scientists must search for it indirectly.
    Christopher Karwin, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
  • This ground-level ozone can form when carbon monoxide gas emitted by wildfires chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight.
    Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Not with all the smoke emanating from elsewhere.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2026
  • Either way, the look is versatile and emanates a casual, cool feel that can be elevated with a bright red flat or silk scarf tied in your hair.
    Irene Richardson, InStyle, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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