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
People with kidney issues may need to limit coconut water, as their kidneys may not be able to filter potassium properly, leading to high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia).13 Some people may be allergic to coconut water. Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025 Last year’s West Virginia team, meanwhile, adapted to its personnel issues and finished 15th in adjusted defensive efficiency. Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
In the wake of a tragic accident that left a 77-year-old woman dead, rising country music star Conner Smith has been issued a misdemeanor citation for failure to yield, resulting in a fatality. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025 The warning was issued at 10:53 a.m. on Monday, and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Saturday at 3:08 p.m. Kansas City Star Bot updated July 12, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • In contrast, one outcome of the fires that destroyed areas of Los Angeles in January was that deer, mules and mountain lions were seen running panicked along roads or stranded in neighborhoods, pinched into urban spaces by human infrastructure and the advancing fires.
    Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 19 July 2025
  • In an interview Friday, Wirth said the outcome of the deal was never in doubt.
    Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • Coincidentally, it was briefly rumored that Kotb intended to replace Clarkson on her talk show after her Today exit.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Predicting a rough road for Red Bull, given Horner's exit and ongoing challenges with the RB21 F1 car, former FIA steward Johnny Herbert said Mercedes would likely be Verstappen's preference.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Similar to seahorses, male pipefish give birth to offspring.
    Lauren Liebhaber July 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
  • That gene is then passed down to offspring at a higher-than-normal rate, gradually reducing the population’s ability to reproduce.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • In fact, research published in Harvard Business Review shows that leaders who openly express uncertainty and reveal imperfections foster greater trust, loyalty, and emotional connection with their audiences and teams.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • In an interview with People, published July 12, Katie Gaudreau and Joyce opened up about the special, yet emotional day that was filled with grief and love.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Just in time for the dog days of summer, Farmers' Almanac released its extended fall forecast.
    Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
  • The award-winning costume designer will release The Fashion of Clueless (Simon & Schuster) in Oct. 7, now available for preorder on Amazon, Bookshop and other retailers.
    Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • The results were adjusted for consecutive years versus that conventional use spread over the decade, as well as comorbidities and other conditions that could impact walking speed and strength.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2025
  • The recent test was a result of the Booster Obsolescence Life Extension (BOLE) project, which looked at optimizing booster design for lower-cost and more efficient options.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Factor in a four-hour charging time via a conventional 110-volt outlet, and users would be hard-pressed to need much more in a week’s worth of commuting, grocery and errand runs, and so on.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • According to the outlet, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were replaced by their two best friends as groomsmen.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The hanging fruits had been emblazoned with the letters of the Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.
    Veronica Hilbring, Essence.com, 11 July 2017
  • My feeling is generally in the case of summer fruit pies, if things are in season and at their peak bounty, why be skimpy?
    Rick Martinez, Bon Appetit, 8 July 2017

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Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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