stem

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb stem differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stem are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, and spring. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

How are the words arise and rise related as synonyms of stem?

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 stem?

The words derive and stem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

When is it sensible to use emanate instead of stem?

Although the words emanate and stem have much in common, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How do flow and spring relate to one another, in the sense of stem?

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

words flowed easily from her pen

In what contexts can issue take the place of stem?

In some situations, the words issue and stem are roughly equivalent. However, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When would originate be a good substitute for stem?

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

the fire originated in the basement

When might proceed be a better fit than stem?

The words proceed and stem can be used in similar contexts, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When is spring a more appropriate choice than stem?

The synonyms spring and stem are sometimes interchangeable, but spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

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 stem This enthusiasm seems to stem partly from admiration for the can-do ingenuity of Costco’s business model. Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 Hanging incense stems on it also helped. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2025 Instead, county supervisors should stem their rapidly escalating spending, which has doubled in the past eight years and ranks highest per capita by far of the 10 largest California counties. Mercury News Editorial, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025 Parent company Kering has been working to stem the hemorrhage at Gucci, which posted another 25 percent decline in organic sales in the second quarter, while consumers waited for Demna’s debut presentation and the see now, buy now products in stores. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stem
Verb
  • Dispute over bodies of deceased hostages The new ceasefire took effect on October 10, halting two years of war, but the Israeli government and Hamas have been accusing each other of violations of the ceasefire for days.
    Alexander Cornwell, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
  • When and if auto plants might be forced to halt operations is not clear.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In recent years, some Wyandotte residents have tried to get the government to delay or cancel its tax sales, which usually happen twice a year, to prevent people who have struggled to pay sky-rocketing property tax bills from losing their family homes.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The continued closure of the Rafah crossing is preventing delivery of equipment needed to find dead hostages and will therefore delay recovery efforts, Hamas said, according to Reuters.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Despite playing just 30 minutes against West Ham, the Arsenal captain ended the game with the joint-most line-breaking passes in the final third (four).
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • In April, Brazil ended visa-free travel for citizens of the US, Canada, and Australia, citing a lack of reciprocity.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Wearing a floor-length brown double-breasted coat featuring buttons that stopped at her waist, the attire created a sultry thigh-high slit that allowed Jolie's leg to peek through.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Studies in animals and reports from people show that the side effects of this drug can continue even after someone stops taking it.
    Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Harrison’s nomination came after his time on General Hospital concluded in 2024.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The initial analysis, concluded on August 8, 2025, confirmed the skull was that of an adult, but could not provide further conclusive information.
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But Ayton has skill, a silky jumper, smooth footwork and a giant frame that can block off the paint on the other end.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • After a week of chaos and confusion, as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees described it, the fates of more than 600 workers hang in the balance now that a federal judge has temporarily blocked their terminations.
    Erika Edwards, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Since pre-shredded cheeses are coated in anti-caking agents that can impede melting, our Test Kitchen recommends grating your own cheese from a block or wedge.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Martinez was charged in federal court with forcibly assaulting, impeding, and interfering with a federal law enforcement officer.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Secret Commonwealth is the condemnation of a world where imagination—not making things up, but a way of seeing, understanding, feeling the world—is suppressed by the dual forces of cold rationality and religious fundamentalisms that breed authoritarianism.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
  • That power is often used to unfairly influence elections through massive campaign donations, to interfere with independent journalism by buying media outlets, and to suppress competition in markets.
    Scott Ellis, Time, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stem. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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