spring 1 of 2

noun

Definition of springnext
1
as in leap
an act of leaping into the air the deer gave a sudden spring and disappeared into the woods

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in source
a point or place at which something is invented or provided the springs of this time-honored tradition run too deep to allow for easy explanation

Synonyms & Similar Words

spring

2 of 2

verb

ˈspriŋ How to pronounce spring (audio)
1
as in to start
to come into existence when it comes to love and romance, hope springs eternally

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to leap
to propel oneself upward or forward into the air the cat sprang and pounced on the mouse

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to release
to set free (as from slavery or confinement) had to spend a night in jail until their lawyer could come to spring them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb spring differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spring are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of spring?

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 is it sensible to use derive instead of spring?

In some situations, the words derive and spring are roughly equivalent. However, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

Where would emanate be a reasonable alternative to spring?

While in some cases nearly identical to spring, 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?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When might issue be a better fit than spring?

Although the words issue and spring have much in common, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When would originate be a good substitute for spring?

The meanings of originate and spring largely overlap; however, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

When could proceed be used to replace spring?

The synonyms proceed and spring are sometimes interchangeable, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

In what contexts can stem take the place of spring?

While the synonyms stem and spring 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 spring
Noun
There are the early spring crops — the peas and the leafy bits that start the season. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 18 July 2025 Amid the Tintagel spring gala, Lizzy grapples with whether to share crucial information with Nan. —Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Verb
But even if the popularity of Xiaomi’s EVs can spring beyond the company’s devoted base, production is still on a much more boutique scale. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 7 July 2025 Spring has finally sprung (despite this week's cool temperatures). —Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for spring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spring
  1. leap
  2. source
  3. start
  4. jump
  5. release
  6. hop
  7. cradle
  8. begin
Noun
  • Take a leap of faith and do what your gut tells you.
    — Margot Machol Bisnow, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • Jaxson Dart on how Coach Judge fueled his growth: Jaxson Dart says his game jumped leaps and bounds with the help of Coach Judge last year.
    — Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Definition of leap
Noun
  • The senior bonus deduction, Watson points out, applies to any source of taxable income that a taxpayer who is 65 or older has and may not necessarily eliminate all tax on Social Security benefits.
    — Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
  • One anonymous source donated 40 units, but since then, White said, there have been few, if any, such offerings.
    — Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Definition of source
Verb
  • He’s set to start the All-Star Game in right field on Tuesday night.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2025
  • One way is to start working to attract viewers flocking to new media venues.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 July 2025
Definition of start
Verb
  • However, following the July 17 announcement, the first week of new shows (July 21-24) for The Late Show jumped to average 1 million households.
    — Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • In the past month, the logistics provider’s shares have jumped 40 percent to $31.25, as of the end of trading Thursday, buoyed by expectations that the LTL will be sold off.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 July 2025
Definition of jump
Verb
  • She's also released multiple albums, rounding out a nearly 40-year career in entertainment.
    — Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 21 July 2025
  • 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
Definition of release
Noun
  • In arguably her best vault of her young career, Pease took a tiny hop on her difficult Yurchenko double full, securing a huge 14.050 – the highest vault score of the night.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • Irish Sticky Toffee Pudding: Rich caramel notes unite seamlessly with bready malts and a touch of hops.
    — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 18 July 2025
Definition of hop
Noun
  • The installation consists of a cradle to hold a cell phone in a specific position, and signage with a QR code for uploading the photographs to the database.
    — Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • This padding creates a supportive cradle, allowing your cat to sleep comfortably and securely.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Definition of cradle
Verb
  • The Red Sox are competitive this season, but their World Series window is only just beginning to open.
    — Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • And with this email begins a journey through so much of what Nashville has to offer.
    — Benjamin Goad, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
Definition of begin

Phrases Containing spring

Browse Nearby Words

sprigs
spring
spring (for)
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Cite this Entry

“Spring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spring. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spring

Nglish: Translation of spring for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spring

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