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
By this point, Thunders, Nolan, and Kane were all dealing with significant addiction issues. Daniel Kreps, Andy Greene march 1, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025 Reports reached DownDetector as early as 3:30 p.m. ET and peaked around 4:00 p.m. at more than 37,000 issues. Auzinea Bacon, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a statewide burn ban for all counties after over 100 ignitions were reported Saturday. Jared Ochacher, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2025 The office issued a statement following his son’s death. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • The outcome in House District 40B could end Republicans' one-vote edge in the state House, returning the chamber to a rare 67-67 tie.
    Torey Van Oot, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The president didn’t rule it out as a potential outcome.
    William Gavin, Quartz, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Drivers can lean hard on front tires during corner exits, and the rear end plays right along, with nary a hint of unwanted surprises.
    Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025
  • At Fendi, third-generation designer Silvia Fendi was back creating both womenswear and menswear following Kim Jones’ exit late last year.
    Scarlett Conlon, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Svalbard polar bear mothers also stuck by their offspring for an average of 2.5 years.
    Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Again, autobiography surfaces — Hackman, through his two marriages and three offspring, acquired and avidly refurbished an array of houses, notably in California’s Montecito and New Mexico’s Santa Fe.
    Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 12:56 AM.
    Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025
  • This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 6:15 AM.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In November 2024, the Secret Service released its final mission assurance report on the Butler assassination attempt.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Common Sense Media has released a new report that looks at the 2024 media use of children ages 0 to 8, pointing to some of the challenges faced by those educating this generation.
    Peter Greene, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The result is strong and stable seating in a blue-and-white pattern that will pop on patios, balconies, and screen porches.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The results highlight the need for food safety improvements, Stanton Cope, consumer watchdog associate at PIRG and coauthor of the report, told Health.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Hay has been bailed and is expected to be sentenced on April 17, the outlet reported.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
  • In analysis on what Ukraine stands to lose, independent Russian language outlet iStories reported that Kyiv would be unable to replenish its stock of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems, which can shoot down Russian missiles.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/issue. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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