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 The frustrations stemmed, in part, from how future Cubs manager Craig Counsell seemed to do more with less while running the 2018 Brewers. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025 In reality, Nepal could likely stem the growing tide of trash on Everest by limiting the number of tourists allowed to climb, but the country relies on those permits as a crucial source of revenue. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2025 For a little less mess when chopping broccoli florets, hold them upside down on your cutting board (stem side up) and chop down. Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2025 But Republican lawmakers have long attempted to stem the flow of Chinese students into the United States. Kimmy Yam, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stem
Verb
  • Charlotte’s second consecutive 11-play drive halted in the red zone after Harrell led the 49ers down the field with repetitive strikes through the air, finding his favorite target, Javen Nicholas, to set Charlotte up in scoring position.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Colleyville Heritage defeated Richland 30-21 in a game halted early in the third quarter after a second lightning delay Friday at Mustang-Panther Stadium.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After lightning delayed kickoff for an hour, Colleyville Heritage (1-1) fell behind quickly in a back-and-forth game.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • In the last few years, Beyoncé, Pink, and Noah Kahan, among others, have had concerts canceled or delayed by extreme lightning, rain, or wildfire smoke.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Popular visa categories often reach their annual limit well before the fiscal year ends, particularly for applicants from countries with high demand.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • George Springer’s revival season reaches new heights Springer ended last season with the ninth-lowest OPS in the American League.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Fall weather isn't stopping the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) as its crews are set to begin a number of construction work across the state.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Good Fortune follows Reeves as an angel, Gabriel, tasked by his boss, Martha (Sandra Oh), with stopping humans from dying while texting and driving.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • When isolated statistics are presented without context in the media, there is every reason to conclude that data does not offer anything valuable to the conversation.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The letter concludes with a call for parents to engage with their children about appropriate conduct.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Congress previously voted to repeal the law, but then-President Joe Biden blocked the repeal with a presidential veto.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
  • In fact, such bills have been introduced repeatedly over the past three decades, only to be blocked time and again by Netanyahu and others.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Bundys and several others in the vehicles were arrested and charged with multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede federal officers.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Let go of whatever impedes your growth.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Eight engines, four water tenders, five dozers and two hand crews have been working to suppress the fire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • This ensures lithium is deposited smoothly across the anode, effectively suppressing dendrite growth even under rapid-charging conditions.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stem. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stem

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!