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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
Billions of the insects from Brood XIV are emerging from Tennessee to Georgia to Massachusetts this spring after spending the last 17 years hiding underground as nymphs. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 May 2025 Already this spring, two Americans have been struck and killed by lightning, both while fishing from a boat. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
These shoes are ultra-plush, with a generous cushion that springs your foot forward. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2025 Mitchel Bakker swung in a cross, Chuba Akpom nodded the ball towards goal, Brice Samba sprang to his left to save and there — suddenly, miraculously, remarkably, unfathomably — was Bentaleb at the back post to steer the rebound into the net. Tom Williams, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spring
Noun
  • With a leap of faith, Rapp and Anderson, both pregnant at the time, left their corporate jobs and set out to bring Peek-a-Brew to life.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • What had been an orderly exit onto the pitch suddenly turned into a frantic leap for safety as hundreds clambered over the front wall, and thick black smoke enveloped the back of the stand.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Despite the ransom payment, Joly did not want to give up his bargaining chip for his freedom, several sources previously told the Miami Herald.
    Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
  • During the speech, McLean mentioned uncertainty in federal funding sources while discussing affordability in Boise.
    Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • This is where strategic thinking becomes impactful, as leaders start operating collectively with others to redefine what is possible.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • During the days that follow, the survivors start passing away and Alex realizes they are being murdered by the Grim Reaper.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • There’s plenty of video on social media showing hundreds of carp jumping into boats on various rivers, including the mighty Mississippi.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • At the song's crescendo, two of the men climb up on the edge of the fountain, and at least one jumps into the water as things comes to a dramatic close.
    Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Parliament enacted the Habeas Corpus Act of 1679, which was meant to ensure that the king released prisoners when the law did not justify confining them.
    Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • This practice involves buzzing next to flowers whose pollen is only released when there is a powerful air current next to their anthers so that pollen can be released to the adjacent female stigmas, facilitating pollination.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • His final two nominations come in the categories of video director of the year with Dave Free and best male hip hop artist.
    Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
  • In the 1980s and beyond, hip hop artists invoked Malcolm, and Spike Lee immortalized him on film.
    CBS News, CBS News, 4 May 2025
Noun
  • This is a custom layer within the mattress designed to adapt and cradle sleepers at any position.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 9 May 2025
  • Image Cardinal Parolin grew up in Schiavon, a small town in the northern Italian region of Veneto that is known as a cradle of popes.
    Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Jennifer Donahue, a spokesperson for Massachusetts state courts, confirmed day 15 of the trial is set to begin at 9 a.m.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • After an ear-splitting sound, the wind began to calm.
    Gwen Rockwood, Arkansas Online, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spring. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on spring

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