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
In 1957, Democratic National Committee Chair Paul Butler established the DAC to stake out issues that would support a positive platform in 1960. Time, 23 July 2025 That has hindered its ability to maintain its infrastructure and provide affordable power, leaving its customers with high bills and service reliability issues. Sasha Hupka, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
And Evers made history of his own by issuing the most pardons of any governor in state history. Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025 The latest such warning has just been issued in Illinois. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for issue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for issue
Noun
  • In the pilot program, the U.S. Department of Education offered Pell grants for short-term training for students who wouldn’t otherwise qualify and compared their outcomes to those without grants.
    Natalie Yahr, jsonline.com, 19 July 2025
  • But expect the outcome of the race to potentially be controversial.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • Coincidentally, it was briefly rumored that Kotb intended to replace Clarkson on her talk show after her Today exit.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Predicting a rough road for Red Bull, given Horner's exit and ongoing challenges with the RB21 F1 car, former FIA steward Johnny Herbert said Mercedes would likely be Verstappen's preference.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Similar to seahorses, male pipefish give birth to offspring.
    Lauren Liebhaber July 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
  • That gene is then passed down to offspring at a higher-than-normal rate, gradually reducing the population’s ability to reproduce.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • In fact, research published in Harvard Business Review shows that leaders who openly express uncertainty and reveal imperfections foster greater trust, loyalty, and emotional connection with their audiences and teams.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • No focus on broadband affordability Carr's proposal, which was released on Thursday and is scheduled for a vote on August 7, criticized the previous administration's approach.
    Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2025
  • Regarding Trump's assertions, the White House pointed NPR to a 2022 analysis done by the district attorney's office in Yolo County, Calif., which found that most of the 595 people released there without bail during the study period committed new crimes.
    Meg Anderson, NPR, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Homelessness, housing costs hit record-high levels nationwide The Department of Housing and Urban Development won't release the 2025 point-in-time count results until the end of this year, but the most recent data shows that homelessness is rising even faster across the U.S. than in Indianapolis.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • Air sampling meters tested the building for hazardous conditions, but the results were negative.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • The driver was being chased by Roseville police officers, the news outlet reported.
    Mike Stunson July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
  • Avoid basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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