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 Initially, the new rules seemed to have the effect of stemming such growth. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 June 2025 Tatsuki's reputation stems in part from previous predictions that appeared to align with real-world events. Joe Edwards john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025 Instead, prune potentilla when the plants are dormant in winter and clip back the thickest stems all the way to the ground since these stems usually won’t rebloom. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025 Here's how to pull poison ivy: Start by clipping off any above-ground stems using sharp shears. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for stem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stem
Verb
  • However, Lucas’ poor first touch allows Caicedo to halt the attack.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • JetBlue Airways will halt service at Miami International Airport, the airline said on Saturday.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • President Trump delayed his decision on whether attack Iran for two weeks following a Thursday sighting of Steve Bannon at the White House.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
  • These actions did not fully block the strait but caused sharp increases in shipping insurance premiums and delayed maritime traffic.
    Isabel van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Episodes ended by dangling game rules and character deaths, beguiling us to keep watching.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • States would be responsible for them, and — miracle of miracles — state and federal agencies actually agreed on how to manage grizzlies after ESA protections end.
    Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Paul Goldschmidt had one of just three Yankees hits in Saturday’s 7-0 loss to the A’s, but that didn’t stop him from sharing some self-depreciation after the game.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
  • Trying to stop the runaway, Jeff was knocked to the concrete and sustained a fractured skull and other life-threatening injuries that left him in a coma for weeks.
    Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • What’s next: The Royals conclude their weekend series against the Padres on Sunday afternoon.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025
  • In the study, scientists concluded further adaptation and the potential expansion of cropland may be needed to ensure food security and mitigate climate impacts.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • In April, the Trump administration implemented new regulations that blocked sales of Nvidia’s H20 AI chip, which had been designed to comply with earlier restrictions.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • Cuomo's political comeback may be blocked by young progressive Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo stands at the precipice of a remarkable political comeback — but a second-term Assembly member may be in his way.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • This month she was indicted on three counts of assaulting, resisting, impeding and interfering with federal officials.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 June 2025
  • The indictment, announced earlier this month, accuses McIver of three counts: two felonies for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers—each carrying up to eight years in prison—and a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of one year.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • This outdated mentality fosters two counterproductive patterns: emotional repression, in which individuals suppress feelings, and emotional reactivity, where feelings are expressed impulsively and without regulation.
    Andriana Eliadis, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Firefighters are working to suppress the fire, which is currently burning with a slow rate of spread.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stem. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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