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
The event, in partnership with Lifetime, celebrates the Power of Women honorees, who will each appear on the cover of the issue, as well as the accomplished women profiled in the annual Women’s Impact Report, which highlights leaders in the entertainment industry. William Earl, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025 From Jelly’s past issues with substance abuse to Bunnie’s ongoing IVF fertility journey, the couple has long been open about their personal struggles. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Saturday, the National Hurricane Center issued an advisory stating that Tropical Storm Melissa is in the Caribbean Sea, 160 miles southeast of Kingston Jamaica and 235 miles southwest of Port Au Prince Haiti. Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2025 The commission officially recommended that a construction permit be issued to TerraPower subsidiary USO for the facility in Lincoln County. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • But federal prosecutors in Brooklyn say the ex-athletes and all the other players were in on a ruse, using technology to rig the outcome.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Of course, a reliable method for measuring a team’s performance is to use underlying metrics to understand the team’s process more than its outcomes.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Myers struggled with the puck in his own zone, and a poor attempt at a zone exit from Max Domi eventually led to the Sabres’ first goal.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Six straight Mean Green scoring drives sent the 49ers’ smallest home crowd of the season (9,629) to the exits early in the fourth quarter, as Mestemaker stayed in the game until the two-minute warning to break the record.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Expert help is recommended because a mom, if cornered, likely will defend her offspring.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The decorative leaves of blue hibiscus are palmate, deeply lobed and appear to be the hybrid offspring of an oak leaf and a snowflake.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Annual inflation rose less than expected in September, according to a crucial report published Friday, nine days later than normal due to the government shutdown.
    NPR, NPR, 25 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, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • An internal investigation by Kenvue Brands LLC, the company that owns Neutrogena, revealed the brand’s Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes tested positive for a bacteria known as pluralibacter gergoviae, per information released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The White House did not release the size of the donations for all 37 listed.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Thunder’s pregame party was the result of outlasting the Indiana Pacers in seven thrilling, competitive finals games.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The brand recommends setting aside 30 to 45 minutes to fluff the flame-retardant branches for the most realistic result.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In photos obtained by the outlet, the pair could be seen walking out of the theater while holding hands and smiling.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But the interest in the East Wing demolition had been acute enough that a local-news outlet had identified one of the East Wing dump sites—an industrial park in Hyattsville, Maryland.
    Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • When Walt and his wife started a popular fruit stand at the Pinecrest Farmers’ Market, Chefitz was right there, joining in on the fun.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
  • While both flavors share the same SPF actives and nourishing base, the Mint version delivers a refreshing, tingly finish from peppermint oil and menthol, while the Açai option leans sweeter with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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