emerge

verb

i-ˈmərj How to pronounce emerge (audio)
emerged; emerging
Synonyms of emerge

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

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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
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.
Late in the evening, look toward the southeast, where the Milky Way’s faint and cloudy band may gradually emerge as your eyes adjust to the darkness. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 Hints of that pathology emerged across the Southland at other celebrations Sunday night. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 By contrast, Goldman remained upbeat on several higher-yielding emerging-market currencies. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 6 July 2026 As Gen Z, the cohort born between 1997 and 2012, emerges as a major spender on group travel and experiences, more young people are fronting costs for friends. — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for emerge

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of emerge was in 1640

Phrases Containing emerge

Rhymes for emerge

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Browse Nearby Words

emeraude
emerge
emergence
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emerge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emerge. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

emerge

verb
i-ˈmərj How to pronounce emerge (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on emerge

Nglish: Translation of emerge for Spanish Speakers

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