ISSUE Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'issue' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of issue are arise , derive , emanate , flow , originate , proceed , rise , spring , and stem . While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet. // blood issued from the cut

Q: How do 'arise' and 'rise' relate to one another, in the sense of 'issue'?

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

Q: When can 'derive' be used instead of 'issue'?

Although the words derive and issue have much in common, derive implies a prior existence in another form. // the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

Q: Where would 'emanate' be a reasonable alternative to 'issue'?

The synonyms emanate and issue are sometimes interchangeable, but emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source. // reports emanating from the capital

Q: How are the words 'flow' and 'spring' related as synonyms of 'issue'?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception. // words flowed easily from her pen

Q: When might 'originate' be a better fit than 'issue'?

The words originate and issue are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, originate implies a definite source or starting point. // the fire originated in the basement

Q: When is it sensible to use 'proceed' instead of 'issue'?

In some situations, the words proceed and issue are roughly equivalent. However, proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause. // advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

Q: When could 'spring' be used to replace 'issue'?

While in some cases nearly identical to issue , spring implies rapid or sudden emerging. // an idea that springs to mind

Q: In what contexts can 'stem' take the place of 'issue'?

The words stem and issue can be used in similar contexts, but stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development. // industries stemming from space research

issue 1 of 2

noun

ˈi-(ˌ)shü

Definition of issue

as in outcome

a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause one of the issues of the Civil War was a resolution to the question of states' rights

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in exit

a place or means of going out since the lake is the issue of the polluted river, it is becoming polluted as well

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in offspring

the descendants of a person, animal, or plant someone who dies without issue might have their estate turned over to the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

issue

2 of 2

verb

as in to publish

to produce and release for distribution in printed form plans to issue a monthly newsletter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to release

to throw or give off a volcano issuing vast clouds of hot ash

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb issue differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of issue are arise, derive, emanate, flow, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of issue?

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 issue?

Although the words derive and issue have much in common, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

Where would emanate be a reasonable alternative to issue?

The synonyms emanate and issue are sometimes interchangeable, but emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How are the words flow and spring related as synonyms of issue?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When might originate be a better fit than issue?

The words originate and issue are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

When is it sensible to use proceed instead of issue?

In some situations, the words proceed and issue are roughly equivalent. However, proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When could spring be used to replace issue?

While in some cases nearly identical to issue, spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

In what contexts can stem take the place of issue?

The words stem and issue can be used in similar contexts, but stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

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 issue

Noun

Edges stayed crisp with no false color, which is a common issue in cheaper refractors. — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Inspect for cracks and test your sump pump regularly to stay ahead of potential water issues in your basement. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026

Verb

Delegates attending the California Federation of Labor’s conference on Tuesday will also issue a key endorsement. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Then, in the 84th minute, he was issued a yellow card for a foul on Sekou Bangoura and that led to Mendez’s free kick. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for issue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue

Noun

Gunther took the decision in a match built to protect both men, which is the outcome WWE needed if Aldis is going back behind the desk with his in-ring credibility intact.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of outcome

Noun

Roster movement in both directions has been constant this year, from The New Day's exit to a former champion reportedly leaving after rejecting a new deal to the April release of 11 former champions.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Her exit follows the resignations last week of acting Chief Financial Officer Steve Mahr and Deputy CFO Noor Shaikh in June — coming after CFO Jill Jaworski departed at the beginning of this year.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of exit

Verb

American Fortress has filed a patent for post-quantum transaction signing, but a filing establishes priority, not proof; its technical paper has not been published, and the design has not been publicly audited.

— Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Another study, published in 2023, suggested the lack of sudden, major floodwaters funneling into Lake Cahuilla, the larger historical predecessor to the Salton Sea, may have something to do with it.

— Rong-Gong Lin II Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of publish

Verb

The most recent National Climate Assessment, released by the federal government in 2023, warned most of Georgia will likely see between 10 and 40 more days with temperatures of at least 95 degrees by midcentury.

— Drew Kann, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
He was detained, questioned and later released by authorities that same day.

— Tristan Maglunog, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of release

Noun

Shell’s results were the highest since the second quarter of 2022, weeks after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

— Salma Arafa, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
So, what exactly are AI tokens, how does AI tokenomics work, and when should businesses stop counting tokens and focus on results?

— Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of result

Noun

In videos obtained by the outlet, people can be seen fleeing a shopping center parking lot as gunshots ring out.

— Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 2 Aug. 2026
The former outlet has revealed that Chelsea - amid interest from Barça and Arsenal - is attempting to tie the Brazilian down by offering him a new contract.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of outlet

Noun

The components are matured primarily in ex-bourbon American oak barrels, creating a whiskey that balances vibrant fruit with the signature spicy character of traditional Irish pot still whiskey.

— Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Chocolate mousse for dessert is a real treat, but soft serve frozen yogurt with fresh fruit is lighter and equally satisfying.

— Connie Ogle August 4, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of fruit

Browse Nearby Words

issuances

issue

issued

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of issue

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on issue

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

colloquial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of issue

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing issue

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on issue

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

colloquial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes