emerge

verb

i-ˈmərj 

emerged; emerging

intransitive verb

1

: to become manifest : become known

new problems emerged

2

: to rise from or as if from an enveloping fluid : come out into view

a diver emerging from the water

3

: to rise from an obscure or inferior position or condition

someone must emerge as a leader

4

: to come into being through evolution

Synonyms of emerge

• arise
• surface
• appear
• happen
• occur

Examples of emerge in a Sentence

The facts emerged after a lengthy investigation.

Several possible candidates have emerged.

She has emerged as a leading contender in the field.

His war record has emerged as a key issue in the election.

when land first emerged from the sea

The cat emerged from its hiding place behind the couch.

animals emerging from a long period of inactivity

Recent Examples on the Web

Republicans should feature in political ads and during live appearances people who have emerged from socialist and communist countries. — Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026

The amount of business done between Premier League clubs quickly emerged as the defining theme of this summer’s transfer window. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

The first model emerged onto a sinuous runway in a nubuck coat paired with chiffon pants that fluttered in the breeze, revealing knee-high calfskin boots. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

As more esports injury research has been published, more treatment and prevention strategies have emerged. — Erica D. Henn, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin emergere, from e- + mergere to plunge — more at merge

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing emerge

• emerge the victor
• emerge victorious
• re-emerge

Rhymes for emerge

• converge
• diverge
• submerge
• upsurge
• demiurge
• dirge
• merge
• purge
• scourge
• serge
• splurge
• spurge

Kids Definition

emerge

verb

i-ˈmərj 

emerged; emerging

1

: to become known or apparent

the facts emerged

2

: to rise from or as if from a fluid : come out into view