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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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
In a joint statement, 111 international humanitarian organizations called on Israel to end its blockade, restore the full flow of food, clean water and medical supplies to Gaza, and agree to a ceasefire. —Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 23 July 2025 More than 100 largely aid and rights groups on Wednesday called for governments to take action as hunger spreads in Gaza, including by demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the lifting of all restrictions on the flow of humanitarian aid. —Daphne Psaledakis, USA Today, 23 July 2025
Noun
Anticipating this summer’s one-two punch of the supply rate increase and higher energy demand, ComEd launched a $10 million relief fund July 7 to help struggling customers catch up with rising bills and keep the electricity flowing this summer. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025 The formations were created billions of years ago when ancient lava flows flooded a network of gigantic impact basins left behind by cataclysmic asteroid strikes, which later hardened to renew the lunar surface. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 22 July 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
  • Everything went well in the early stages of the launch, which the Russian space agency Roscosmos streamed live.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 25 July 2025
  • Each episode will be available for streaming afterwards on HBO Max.
    — Sean Neumann, People.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of stream
Verb
  • As agencies begin translating priorities into rules and funding decisions, implementation could drift into partisan favoritism.
    — Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Football, meanwhile, was still drifting about in his mind.
    — Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 24 July 2025
Definition of drift
Noun
  • When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
  • Indonesia’s Other Headache: Long before Trump wielded tariffs as a weapon to punish Indonesia, the country was fighting back a flood of cheap Chinese goods.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 25 July 2025
Definition of flood
Verb
  • Enjoy a classic margarita for $9, a smoky mezcal margarita for $10, or explore the depths of agave with half-off tequila pours all night long.
    — Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Remember that small changes, like pouring your DIY cleaning solutions into glass spray bottles or dusting items with an old-fashioned feather duster, can make a big difference in your cleaning experience.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025
Definition of pour
Verb
  • Employees glide swiftly through the open kitchen, sprinkling tacos with In-A-Tub’s signature orange cheese dust.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2025
  • Even when it's packed full, the wheels glide like a dream over multiple surfaces with no wayward drifting (usually a point of failure for softsides that may lean with weight).
    — Jamie Hergenrader, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Definition of glide
Noun
  • Capping off a weekend rally fueled by record ETF inflows, investor optimism, and growing institutional interest.
    — Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Public companies have also been on a bitcoin buying spree and outpaced bitcoin ETF inflows in the second quarter.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 10 July 2025
Definition of inflow
Verb
  • Boaters can set out from the property and sail into Vineyard Harbor and the open waters beyond.
    — Mary Forgione, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Inspired by Soap Box Derby races, they were engineered simply so families could assemble them at home for kids to learn to sail.
    — Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Definition of sail
Noun
  • Low-water crossings and small creeks became raging torrents, sweeping away roads, cabins, and vehicles.
    — Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • Recent flash flooding in Texas, New Mexico and North Carolina is highlighting the extreme dangers that these raging torrents of water can bring to communities in a matter of minutes.
    — July 9, CBS News, 9 July 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 30 Jul. 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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