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

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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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to release

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

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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

Energy is also a crucial issue in Alaska, including within Native communities. — Becky Bohrer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 Lula’s request came after issues in nine states with buses that provide transportation to polls in Sao Paulo and Salvador, two cities that tend to favor the incumbent. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Verb

Drafting a reply to a customer gives a person something to review, but actually issuing the refund changes a customer’s account. — Swapnil Upganlawar, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 While Walmart did not issue a press release, recalled items can usually be returned to the place of purchase for a refund. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for issue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue

Noun

The outcome in California's 13th District could hinge on whether Lincoln can attract moderate and swing voters beyond the Republican base.

— Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
The trial is continuing to track participants’ longer-term outcomes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of outcome

Noun

According to PitchBook, there have been 504 defense PE deals but just 101 exits since 2021, although the comparison includes add-on acquisitions and therefore does not directly measure the proportion of investments awaiting an exit.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
According to studio exit-polling estimates, nearly 70 percent of the $7 million movie’s audience is under 35, a feat for a film that gurus of gold also widely predict will become the first documentary nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award.

— Chris Lee, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of exit

Noun

Ella Bleu Travolta, John’s daughter, walked the Miu Miu show, and Apple Martin, offspring of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, debuted on the runway for Chloé after fronting one of its campaigns.

— José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026
Researchers collect the parents' DNA since their offspring are fragile when young.

— CBS News, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of offspring

Verb

In a study published this year with Redzo Mujcic of Warwick Business School, Graham followed 25,000 Australian adults for 14 years.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
An analysis published by NYU’s Journal of Intellectual Property & Entertainment Law discusses how younger consumers embrace dupe culture and proudly share affordable alternatives with friends and followers.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of publish

Verb

The latest figures, released in April and based mostly on 2024 data, actually reflect a slowdown from earlier jumps.

— Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
On October 24, 2006, Taylor Swift was released—the debut album by a 16-year-old with blonde curls, cowboy boots, and a special talent for turning heartbreak into hits.

— Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of release

Noun

Dividing the task between specialist biocomputing groups returned even higher results (about 80%).

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
There’s a lot left to get back on the right track — especially with the New York Giants figuring things out at the top of the division — but Monday’s result could serve as the launching pad for a run in the next few weeks.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of result

Noun

The Sloomoo Institute was built as such an outlet, according to its founders Sara Schiller and Karen Robinovitz.

— Renée Onque, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Previously, Korean patrons were setting up remote offices in Starbucks outlets, even bringing desktop computers and printers.

— Jay Ganglani, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of outlet

Noun

Fresh bread, pastries, and cakes are baked daily and served alongside fruit, a huge variety of cheeses, hummus, salmon, and egg dishes, and—a given at a hotel that celebrates traditional Madrid life— churros.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Percy Shelley and Claire Clairmont’s participation in the friendly competition did not bear such fruit.

— Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of fruit

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issuances

issue

issued

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Style

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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verb

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