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spring

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb spring differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spring are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of spring?

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 is it sensible to use derive instead of spring?

In some situations, the words derive and spring are roughly equivalent. However, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

Where would emanate be a reasonable alternative to spring?

While in some cases nearly identical to spring, 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?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When might issue be a better fit than spring?

Although the words issue and spring have much in common, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When would originate be a good substitute for spring?

The meanings of originate and spring largely overlap; however, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

When could proceed be used to replace spring?

The synonyms proceed and spring are sometimes interchangeable, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

In what contexts can stem take the place of spring?

While the synonyms stem and spring are close in meaning, 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 spring
Noun
The usual late spring / early summer version of the French Open brings some cloudy, heavy days but mostly bright sunshine and warm-to-hot temperatures. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 Plant tulips Tulips are definitely the most colorful of all of the spring flowering bulbs. Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
Or might a loss at Carolina next Sunday immediately spring open that pen and let the wolves back out full-throated? Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 Her new political thriller depicts a group of US government officials springing into action after a single missile is launched at the US. Rachel Choy, Refinery29, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spring
Noun
  • Eighteen years later, smartphones are vastly more powerful, but each new crop offers fewer dramatic leaps in performance and features.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Intel has unveiled its most advanced client and server processors yet, marking a major leap in semiconductor technology.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Some workers, whose programs have alternative funding sources, continue to be paid on time.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2025
  • During his own speech, Sean asked Leaper to name KU’s backfield that started the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Three people were hospitalized, and Arnold Goodstein reportedly broke both legs after jumping out of a backyard window.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Wilder immediately jumped into the stands and apologised, before being sent off by the referee.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This and that Four Dolphins who were released by the team in August had workouts or visits elsewhere on Friday.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Though the administration has released batches of files to the House Oversight Committee, Democrats point out that most of the information provided to the committee had already been public knowledge.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • One of the more memorable in-person music standoffs starred hip hop collectives The LOX and Dipset at Madison Square Garden in August 2021.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Then, Edebiri is ready for a garden stroll and a hop into the water taxi that will ferry her to the birthday party of her dreams.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The town is also the cradle of the popular Mexican Tecate beer and boasts remarkable natural landscapes.
    Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • As is typical for Vionic shoes, these cradle your arches, provide cushion for every step, and keep your feet stable throughout the day.
    Gabriela Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Additionally, minor soundside flooding is expected to begin later today and last through at least Wednesday.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Trump’s threats of an extra 100% tariff on China is believed to have triggered a $19 billion sell-off that began Friday.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spring. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on spring

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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