Synonyms of issue

issue 1 of 2

noun

ˈi-(ˌ)shü 

1

as in outcome

a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause

one of the issues of the Civil War was a resolution to the question of states' rights

Synonyms & Similar Words

• outcome
• result
• resultant
• consequence
• product
• effect
• matter of course
• aftermath
• upshot
• development
• implication
• fate
• fruit
• sequel
• conclusion
• corollary
• child
• sequence
• backwash
• aftereffect
• precipitate
• outgrowth
• ramification
• repercussion
• denouement
• fallout
• side effect
• echo
• by-product
• blowback
• aftershock
• afterclap
• ripple
• offshoot
• spin-off
• afterglow

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reason
• cause
• consideration
• occasion
• factor
• basis
• base
• ground
• causation
• foundation
• antecedent
• source
• determinant
• incentive
• mother
• origin
• stimulus
• spring
• root
• inspiration
• groundwork
• impetus
• instigation

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

• exit
• outlet
• escape
• egress
• release
• mouth
• opening
• vent
• escape hatch
• passage
• gate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• entry
• entrance
• access
• ingress
• entryway
• entranceway
• entrée

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

• offspring
• fruit
• seed
• child
• family
• posterity
• get
• progeny
• spawn
• litter
• hatch
• brood
• young
• stock
• lineage
• kin
• scion

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• parent
• antecedent
• father
• grandfather
• progenitor
• ancestor
• forefather
• forebear
• primogenitor
• forebearer

issue

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to publish

to produce and release for distribution in printed form

plans to issue a monthly newsletter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• publish
• print
• reprint
• get out
• come out with
• produce
• put out
• reissue
• contribute
• republish
• copublish
• syndicate
• market
• edit
• manufacture
• serialize
• distribute

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• suppress
• censor

2

as in to release

to throw or give off

a volcano issuing vast clouds of hot ash

Synonyms & Similar Words

• release
• cast
• radiate
• eliminate
• emit
• emanate
• evolve
• send (out)
• shoot
• expel
• discharge
• vent
• exhale
• give out
• throw out
• expire
• irradiate
• pour
• evacuate
• spray
• erupt
• exude
• secrete
• ooze
• jet
• eject
• excrete
• spurt
• gush
• squirt
• spew
• spout
• outpour

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• take up
• absorb
• inhale
• suck (up)
• soak (up)
• sponge

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

Recent Examples of issue

Noun

Perched between China and India, ​the country of 30 million people has been plagued ​for ⁠decades by political instability, crippling a largely agrarian economy and worsening unemployment – structural issues compounded by rampant corruption. —CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026

Council member Paula Blackmon criticized the speed of the process, comparing it to the city’s slow decision-making on smaller issues that have gone on for years like whether to continue trash pickup from alleyways. —Devyani Chhetri, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026

Verb

The union agreed to withdraw unfair labor practice charges in exchange for the village issuing retroactive payments, according to the meeting agenda. —Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026

In January, the World Economic Forum issued its long-running annual assessment of global risks, underscoring the dire state of both the climate and our information environment. —Michael Chertoff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026

Phrases Containing issue

• take issue