STEMS Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

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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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 Nastanovich suggests this tremendous shift in attitude and approach stems directly from Malkmus, whose late-20s nervousness has eased, who has relaxed like a quarterback comfortable with lingering in the pocket a little longer. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 10 Nov. 2026 These apple cores, banana peels and grape stems ultimately head to Lovin's outdoor compost bin. — CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026 To avoid this, prune damaged and broken stems off your plants in fall using clean, sharp pruning cuts. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 2 Nov. 2026 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 Reflecting the decade, the scent has a more minimalist olfactory profile of flower stems and gentle musk. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026 Keep the soil lightly moist and trim a few outer stems at a time to encourage continuous growth. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stems

Verb

The move circumvents any potential floor vote on the impeachment and virtually ensures it won't be addressed before the current Congress session ends.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 11 Nov. 2026
Both ends of the flat, which was about three-quarters of a mile long, gave commanding vistas of the country.

— John B. Snow, Outdoor Life, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of ends

Verb

Project delays risk deferring revenue while costs accumulate, potentially triggering liquidity distress.

— , CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
This is partly due to common symptoms between certain types of cancer and pregnancy, but also because physicians (and patients) are reluctant to perform imaging during pregnancy, which delays biopsies and management.

— Elyce Cardonick, STAT, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of delays

Verb

The question, posed during an on-court postgame interview, was when a young player stops measuring his performance by his point total and starts measuring it by the result.

— Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 2026
Even hair and makeup had to adapt, since traditional hair spray stops working properly in that cold.

— Max Gao, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 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

According to the team at the Francis Crick Institute, adult fruit flies have a hydrophobic lipid coating made of long hydrocarbon molecules that blocks water loss.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
The idea is that, although their paralysis blocks the neural signals from reaching their muscles, those signals are still generated in the brain.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of blocks

Verb

Finally, the report concludes that some financial institutions failed to act on indicators of human trafficking and immigration fraud, enabling Epstein's activities.

— Ava Berger, NPR, 11 Nov. 2026
After the lab concludes, the filmmaker cohort will participate in a yearlong support program involving monthly meetings with directors, screenwriters, agents, managers, producers, and executives.

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of concludes

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stemming

stems

stench

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“Stems.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stems. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of stems

verb

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