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
And that’s before retaliation starts or exemptions begin to flow in. —Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025 The statement is in effect until 8 p.m. Caught in a rip: How to stay safe Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
The science payload to be landed there includes seismometers, a drill to allow emplacement of heat flow and electrical conductivity probes, and instruments to study the magnetic field and surface weathering. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025 Some of these flows are fairly earned as a result of square dealing in trade, technologies, and investments. —David Sogge, Time, 5 Apr. 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
  • Denise Richards & Her Wild Things is streaming now on Peacock.
    — Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Days of Our Lives, formerly on NBC, now streams exclusively on Peacock.
    — Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of stream
Verb
  • But with the wind howling in Tuesday at Rate Field, left fielder Andrew Benintendi drifted over and made the catch.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Since then it’s drifted much farther away and has dimmed considerably.
    — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of drift
Noun
  • Best Option Restoration is a nationally franchised disaster restoration business that handles wind and storm damage, fire damage, flood/water damage, and contents cleanout to residential and commercial customers.
    — Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Brown saw 3 feet of water flood her home in a predominantly Black neighborhood that still shows damage from the storm.
    — Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of flood
Verb
  • Just crack an egg into the chick, and the white pours smoothly out of its beak, leaving the yolk intact and safely inside.
    — Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The teen poured some Al Green grit on the gospel great’s 2007 ballad, again inspiring Richie to hop up and testify to some powerful vocals.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of pour
Verb
  • The razor was easier to use on wet skin because the water and soap provided more lubricant to glide along my legs, but the dry shaving was also easy and painless.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Cotton has a rougher feel, whereas silk pillowcases have a smoother, more frictionless surface that not only feels super luxurious but also allows your head to glide effortlessly.
    — Jenna Ryu, SELF, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of glide
Noun
  • If the president really wants to eliminate the trade deficit, his best option is to rein in the federal budget deficit, which would naturally reduce capital inflows by raising domestic savings.
    — Tarek Alexander Hassan, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The flip side of America’s low savings and big trade deficits is a steady inflow of foreign investment as other countries sink their export earnings into the United States.
    — Time, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of inflow
Verb
  • In the seventh, Fernando Tatis Jr. crushed a solo home run that sailed over the left field fence and onto the new two-story A’s club house, a 406-foot shot for a Padres 5-3 lead, and A’s ace Luis Severino dropped to 0-2 on the season despite an otherwise solid outing.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The boat sails off into the sunset, Timothy smiling out over the waves, and we’re deprived any meaningful fallout.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of sail
Noun
  • Campos Mello broke a series of stories about businessmen who were financing a torrent of WhatsApp messages that denigrated Haddad.
    — Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Hub’s new gig unleashes a torrent of comically exaggerated gore and populates his world with even more colorful characters.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 3 Apr. 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 19 Apr. 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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