issue 1 of 2

1
2
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

3
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

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
The dispute over where Valadao stands on education illustrates the dilemma voters face trying to figure out just where candidates stand on an unusually sensitive issue. David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025 The fast-approaching deadline for REAL IDs has many Americans rushing to obtain the important new identification even as travel issues may lie ahead. Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals turned down an effort by the DOJ to slow the process of Abrego Garcia's return, issuing a scathing reiteration to facilitate his return. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 An 8-year-old California girl has been found after she was abducted in Riverside County, around 100 miles east of Los Angeles, according to an Amber Alert issued by the state's Highway Patrol on behalf of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department (DHSPD). Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • It’s frequently discussed that having a doula improves outcomes, including shorter labor and fewer interventions.
    Essence, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The outcomes of these talks could alter American access to Japan's lucrative auto and electronics markets, and potentially affect agricultural exports, too.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Terminal has 24 entrances and exits from street-level.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The agreement had required Iran to drastically reduce its uranium enrichment and stockpile levels in return for sanctions relief, which helped stabilize its economy before the U.S. exit reversed those gains.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Part of the reason is biological: sharks tend to grow slowly, reproduce late, and have few offspring, so even moderate fishing pressure can push populations into decline.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Any future Bill Belichick offspring would be younger than his 6 current grandchildren.
    Bill Speros, Boston Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Shortly after the news published, Deadline reported that the core group of Huvane, Baum, Halls and Gelb have formed a new firm called Apex Public Relations.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Source: National Interagency Fire Center This story was originally published April 9, 2025 at 9:34 AM.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • With McCaffrey sharing carries with Stewart as a rookie, the Panthers made the playoffs in 2017 before releasing Stewart a couple of months later.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The president is not required to release the results of his annual physical exam, according to the Associated Press.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Friday’s result provided further clarity on the Heat’s draft pick situation.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The Webb telescope observations could have occurred by chance or could be the result of previously unknown chemical processes at work on K2-18b.
    George Petras, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The outlet reports that one other international student at the college had their visa revoked.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The news outlet also said that Assistant District Attorney Daniel Daugherty noted the hearing was held Monday (April 7).
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The hanging fruits had been emblazoned with the letters of the Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.
    Veronica Hilbring, Essence.com, 11 July 2017
  • My feeling is generally in the case of summer fruit pies, if things are in season and at their peak bounty, why be skimpy?
    Rick Martinez, Bon Appetit, 8 July 2017

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on issue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!