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
Both Titus and Cortez Masto introduced bills addressing the gripe, but those efforts have gone nowhere, and their barrage of social media posts trying to call attention to the issue have failed to create political momentum. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 14 May 2026 The Latvian governing tripartite coalition, which also included an agrarian party, had been under strain for months over multiple issues. ABC News, 14 May 2026
Verb
Crash reported on northbound I-35 A traffic warning has been issued after a crash on I-35 between Antioch Road/Exit 230 and 24th Street/Exit 232. Kansas City Star, 13 May 2026 No tickets were reportedly issued for the event. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • As part of the new effort, the parties will work to establish a new standardized process that allows advertisers to connect outcome information to exposure data via a single integration point, which will support more consistent use.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 13 May 2026
  • The way a leader engages people — how trust is built, how alignment is created, how dissent is handled — ultimately determines whether decisions translate into outcomes.
    Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • John Kennedy, managing director at Decant Index — a trading platform for investors to buy and sell alternative collectables, including premium whisky — said Trump's decision to ditch import levies could improve exit valuations for cask investors.
    Hugh Leask, CNBC, 9 May 2026
  • Surveying the space they’re tasked with protecting, the two men grouse about the incessant noise of FedEx workers packing up storefronts on rolling large cardboard boxes toward the exits.
    Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Growing offspring will nurse when hungry, play like puppies and nap in the shade of the old oak trees.
    Susan Koch, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
  • For example, a pair of rodents can produce dozens of offspring in a single year.
    Kody Boye, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • But some states were excluded for various reasons, including if their state assessments had changed recently (Illinois, Kansas), if test opt-out rates were too high (New York, Colorado) or if a state didn't publish district-level data with enough detail.
    Cory Turner, NPR, 13 May 2026
  • If the methods are flawed, publish the caveats.
    A.J. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • The city also hasn’t released a calculation of how many new units would be required if SB 79 ends up affecting 52 bus stops instead of four.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • No motive has been released, as of Friday afternoon.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • As a result, Pacers team president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard took full responsibility for the move, apologizing on social media.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • As a result, Australia now has a 10-point advantage in the overall standings after five events, with Britain in second and Spain just a point behind in third.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • The controversy also took a turn after the discovery of a March 2026 interview with outlet El Nuevo Día in which Díaz openly discussed his family’s involvement in the underground circuit.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • There are many outlets in which to read an opinion about national politics; fewer about a corner bar.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Guava fruit extract and seed oil double down on antioxidant protection, while tranexamic acid further lifts dark spots and lingering redness.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 8 May 2026
  • Maggie looked to the left of the platform where the Artist’s assistant sat at a small table, each remaining fruit sweating on a silver supply tray before her.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on issue

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster