stems

verb

present tense third-person singular of stem
as in ends
to stop the progress or spread of (something) efforts to stem the dramatic decline of an endangered species

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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 stems Nasdaq's growing appeal stems in part from revisions to its index inclusion mechanisms and listing rules implemented earlier this year. — CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026 To avoid any hassle, remove and destroy disease leaves and plant stems before winter sets in. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026 Reflecting the decade, the scent has a more minimalist olfactory profile of flower stems and gentle musk. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026 Unusually cold weather can cause foliage or stems to dieback, though plants typically recover well through new growth in spring. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026 Advertisement Give broccoli stems a chance Jonathan Deutsch has watched fellow cooks buy cases of broccoli, cut off the florets, and throw away the stems. — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 The novel’s conceit stems in part from my attempt to grapple with my family’s and my own trauma and what constitutes truth. — Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026 After cutting open both stems and swapping the batteries between earbuds, iFixit noticed the buds could no longer be charged. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026 The reason Dancing With the Stars doesn’t air live for its West Coast audience stems back to local news and the coveted primetime programming slots. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stems
  1. ends
  2. delays
  3. stops
  4. halts
  5. blocks
  6. concludes
Verb
  • When the school day ends, the campus keeps serving families through aftercare, summer camp and school-break programs.
    — Tim Lonergan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday in November, according to Time and Date, an online world clock.
    — Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of ends
Verb
  • If supply chain volatility delays those transformers, the impact extends beyond construction sequencing.
    — Jayashree Arunkumar, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Unexcused absences in three consecutive elections freeze tax IDs, block nonvoters from applying to state jobs, hinders loans from state banks, and delays the issuance of passports.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of delays
Verb
  • At some point, optimism stops feeling like hope and starts feeling like obligation.
    — Stephan Pechdimaldji, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Morgan refuses Ancker’s offer outright and stops just short of spitting in the man’s face.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of stops
Verb
  • The council voted unanimously on the ordinance, which halts new oil and gas drilling in the city and phases out existing production over the next 20 years.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The Bears go three-and-out, and the wind halts the ensuing punt, landing at the 15-yard line.
    — Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of halts
Verb
  • Satellite thermal sensors can now reveal which blocks bake hottest after sundown, and city planners are using this data to reprioritize projects.
    — Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
  • That looks like a password reset that blocks off an entire morning.
    — Tal Dagan, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of blocks
Verb
  • The Fed’s latest policy meeting concludes less than a week before the midterm elections, which have focused heavily on concerns about the cost of living and affordability.
    — Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Diiv will meet the world in 2027 with a massive tour, which kicks off in Sydney in February and concludes with a hometown London show in June.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of concludes

Browse Nearby Words

stemming
stems
stench
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Cite this Entry

“Stems.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stems. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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