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

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
However, within just a few years the FLW and Bassmaster professional tours fully banned the use of the A-rig in tournaments, claiming an unfair advantage and various issues with state regulations. Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 16 Apr. 2026 The goal of the initiative is to connect with people in communities across Southern California and to speak directly to residents about their issues and concerns. CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
County officials also said Freidenrich’s management of the treasurer’s office led to delays in issuing refunds to schools, filing tax liens and cashing property tax checks, which resulted in incorrect late fees and penalties for taxpayers. Claire Wang, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2026 DeSantis thinks the decision will implicate some South Florida districts, but the ruling hasn’t been issued yet. Gray Rohrer, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • The conditions in the strait remain in flux, some analysts said, leaving a wide range of possible outcomes.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The city will also look at outcomes in foot traffic, business activity, and overall vibrancy for markers of success.
    Monique John, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Since their third straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2022, the Lightning have gone 1-4-3 at home in the playoffs, a stretch that started with three overtime losses to seal their first-round exit against the Maple Leafs in 2023.
    Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Friday, a pickup truck transporting the bees crashed on Interstate 40 in Knoxville, Tennessee, heading toward the Henley Street exit and unleashing the bees, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
    Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • When Finn leaves Honey, their lives are both improved, even if their offspring don’t see that until many years later.
    Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Females and offspring would no longer even feed at the same fig tree.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Hospital data showed that, by 2023, over half of all trauma cases related to bikes or scooters involved an e-bike or e-scooter, an increase from just 8% in 2018, according to the study, published in the journal Neurosurgery.
    Dr. Jade Cobern, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The study, published today in Science Advances, suggests a peaceful succession is indeed possible in one of the only eusocial (and most bloody) mammals, the researchers say.
    Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If Bluey uses a wand of asparagus to transform her father into a walrus, her father will behave exactly like a walrus until released from the spell.
    Jean Garnett, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
  • The Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed just one of the deaths Friday evening, but did not release the identity.
    William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In the first round of the country’s 2024 Presidential election, a far-right candidate, Călin Georgescu, who had campaigned largely on TikTok, scored a surprise upset; the result was annulled by Romania’s constitutional court and the election delayed.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Authorities still have not provided the results of the chemical test taken after the arrest.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • According to the Wall Street Journal and other news outlets, the low-cost airline could be liquidating its assets as soon as this week, citing skyrocketing fuel prices as the cause, thanks to the ongoing war in Iran.
    Christopher DeRose, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The family business grew to about 40 outlets nationwide before being sold to Goodyear in 1986.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The following year, for her 66th birthday in 2023, Fatou received a basket full of vegetables and fruit.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Another girl, Donna Jo, apparently naked on a back-yard lawn, holds several small, round pieces of fruit, still on their leafy branch, clasped to her chest like a trophy.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 19 Apr. 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