flow 1 of 2

verb

ˈflō How to pronounce flow (audio)
Definition of flownext
1
as in to stream
to move in a stream water was flowing over the dam at a tremendous rate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to drift
to move or proceed smoothly and readily as everyone relaxed, the conversation really started to flow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flow

2 of 2

noun

as in flood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb flow differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of flow are arise, derive, emanate, issue, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

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

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 might derive be a better fit than flow?

The synonyms derive and flow are sometimes interchangeable, but derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

In what contexts can emanate take the place of flow?

The meanings of emanate and flow largely overlap; however, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

When would issue be a good substitute for flow?

In some situations, the words issue and flow are roughly equivalent. However, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When can originate be used instead of flow?

While in some cases nearly identical to flow, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

Where would proceed be a reasonable alternative to flow?

The words proceed and flow can be used in similar contexts, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When is spring a more appropriate choice than flow?

The words spring and flow are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

When could stem be used to replace flow?

While the synonyms stem and flow are close in meaning, 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 flow
Verb
Also, a new MSI logo graces the lid, which has a slick design and flowing lines that match the rest of the machine. —& Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 23 May 2025 Staying in Mountain Village positions you for a seamless bike-in, bike-out experience—simply roll out from your hotel, hop on the gondola or chairlift, and hit the Telluride Bike Park’s flowing berms and scenic singletrack. —AFAR Media, 23 May 2025
Noun
Here’s your guide from the NWS to staying safe during downpours: Beware of rapid water flow: During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk. —Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 24 May 2025 The use of flow, variable rhythms, and the subversion of rhyme and poetic form align with the documentary-like execution in underground cinema. —Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for flow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flow
  1. stream
  2. drift
  3. flood
  4. pour
  5. glide
  6. inflow
  7. sail
  8. torrent
Verb
  • Seasons 1 and 2 of Shrinking can be streamed on Apple TV+.
    — Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • How To Watch The American Music Awards On Streaming The AMAs will also stream live on Paramount+ with Showtime.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of stream
Verb
  • From casting a line and drifting beneath cottonwoods to paddling through splashing whitewater, adventures on the San Miguel are a refreshing way to experience its rhythms.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 23 May 2025
  • The film, so enjoyably wacky at first, deflates and drifts to a stop like one of its showboat cars running on empty.
    — Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Definition of drift
Noun
  • The National Weather Service in Fort Worth issued a flood warning in several North Texas counties, including Tarrant County, beginning Monday evening through Tuesday morning, when 1 to 3 inches of rain is forecast.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025
  • That Noah and a handful of family members really could have sustained thousands of animals for months, floating above a global flood that drowned everyone else in the wicked world.
    — Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
Definition of flood
Verb
  • For a man who had crossed an ocean from Calabria, Italy, to build a better life, who had poured himself into his family with tireless devotion, this was a full-circle moment.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • The bartender accidentally poured Champagne into the Manhattan, and realizing his clumsy mistake, set it aside.
    — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 24 May 2025
Definition of pour
Verb
  • The lightweight, invisible formula easily glides over the skin, hydrating any skin type.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
  • The formula glides on sheer and leaves skin looking luminous, not greasy, thanks to its vitamin C and E infusion, which also helps nourish and condition.
    — Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 26 May 2025
Definition of glide
Noun
  • That’s the largest daily inflow into stocks from retail investors on record since data collection began in 2015.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
  • Funds like the iShares Global Clean Energy ETF attracted massive inflows, yet many investors who entered late experienced disappointing returns once valuations normalized.
    — Gianluca Sidoti, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of inflow
Verb
  • But then Betts misfired on a flip to second base, sailing the ball over teammate Tommy Edman’s head to put runners on the corners.
    — Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
  • Guests will sail aboard the luxurious and modern Amadeus Star, enjoying hotel-style comforts, gourmet cuisine, and private small-group excursions led by an experienced resident tour director.
    — Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2025
Definition of sail
Noun
  • This newfound freedom could unlock a torrent of human potential: Innovation and creativity: With basic needs met, individuals would be free to pursue education, engage in creative endeavors, or launch entrepreneurial ventures that could benefit society in unforeseen ways.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • English-language creators have also puked out a torrent of AI musical erotica, but nothing that plays on a piece of cultural heritage that’s been memed to oblivion as much as A Midsummer Night’s Lewd Dream.
    — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 14 May 2025
Definition of torrent

Phrases Containing flow

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flouts
flow
flowed
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Cite this Entry

“Flow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flow. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flow

Nglish: Translation of flow for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flow

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