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 With a major reduction of migrant crossings at the U.S. southern border in recent months, Washington is not as beholden to the Mexican president in stemming migrant flows across the border as in the recent past, affording it greater leverage over Mexico City. Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2025 Using a vegetable peeler, slice off the tough outer layer of the broccoli stems. Karla Walsh, CNN Money, 9 June 2025 While some Republicans are working to preserve the programs from cuts, the budget hawks want steeper reductions to stem the nation's debt load. Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025 Those without leaves store water in their stems.) Check the plants for disease and infestations, including mealy bugs, which look like a cottony, white substance, and powdery mildew, which initially appears as white circles on leaves and stems. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stem
Verb
  • Burroughs temporarily had halted the government’s action hours after Harvard sued.
    Sara Braun, Fortune, 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
  • So far, the administration has ended or delayed nearly 2,500 NIH grants, including some related to researching blood glucose.
    Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 19 June 2025
  • Service businesses face real-time cost pressures that cannot be warehoused or delayed.
    Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Last month, the Supreme Court allowed the administration to end the work permits and deportation protections of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans TPS recipients.
    June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • California lawmakers are looking to stop local police officers and federal agents from wearing face masks or coverings while carrying out operations in the state.
    Billal Rahman Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
  • In 2012, the Premier League stopped awarding bottles of Champagne along with man of the match awards, out of respect for the religious beliefs of some players.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 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
  • After initially issuing a temporary restraining order, Williams issued a longer-lasting preliminary injunction to block enforcement.
    Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • This month she was indicted on three counts of assaulting, resisting, impeding and interfering with federal officials.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 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 2 Jul. 2025.

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