stem

verb

Definition of stemnext
as in to halt
to stop the progress or spread of (something) efforts to stem the dramatic decline of an endangered species

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb stem differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stem are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, and spring. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

How are the words arise and rise related as synonyms of stem?

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 stem?

The words derive and stem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

When is it sensible to use emanate instead of stem?

Although the words emanate and stem have much in common, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How do flow and spring relate to one another, in the sense of stem?

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

words flowed easily from her pen

In what contexts can issue take the place of stem?

In some situations, the words issue and stem are roughly equivalent. However, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When would originate be a good substitute for stem?

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

the fire originated in the basement

When might proceed be a better fit than stem?

The words proceed and stem 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 stem?

The synonyms spring and stem are sometimes interchangeable, but spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

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 stem In his letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump acknowledged that the country has been helpful in stemming the flow of undocumented migrants and fentanyl into the United States. —arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025 In his letter to Mexico’s leader, Trump acknowledged that the country has been helpful in stemming the flow of undocumented migrants and fentanyl into the United States. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 12 July 2025 The discount stems in part from weakness in some of the index's largest constituents. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 10 July 2025 The disease typically progresses from the base of the plant upward on leaves and stems. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for stem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stem
  1. halt
  2. delay
  3. end
  4. stop
  5. conclude
  6. block
  7. impede
  8. suppress
Verb
  • In an unsigned order on Monday, the top court temporarily lifted a lower court ruling from May that indefinitely paused the layoffs and reinstated those who were let go, while also halting President Donald Trump’s Executive Order from March which called for the department to be closed down.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 15 July 2025
  • Due to the storm damage, the city of Plainfield said that its city pools and parks are closed on Tuesday for inspection and safety assessment, while services at the Plainfield Senior Center are halted.
    — David Chiu, People.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of halt
Verb
  • To understand why, consider what businesses stand to lose by delaying automation.
    — Laurent Charpentier, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • However, rocket launches can often be delayed due to poor weather or issues with the spacecraft.
    — Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of delay
Verb
  • Last year, Kennedy ended his independent bid for president during an Arizona visit and endorsed President Donald Trump.
    — Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
  • Within two hours of the meeting ending, send a summary, not a transcript.
    — Ishaan Agarwal, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of end
Verb
  • Shortly after Braun’s executive order, the Indiana Department of Health told local health departments to stop accepting requests to change genders on birth certificates.
    — Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • But, the good news, Wolf says, is that steroid treatments can stop the progression of the disease.
    — Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of stop
Verb
  • Johnson concluded that the program breached a guideline on accuracy, which deals with misleading audiences.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
  • Shaffer and his colleagues have concluded the bird hitched back-to-back rides on a garbage truck, taking advantage of the low-effort form of transportation to reach a destination filled with tasty food scraps.
    — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
Definition of conclude
Verb
  • The Senate Armed Services Committee passed a limited-but-similar measure in its version of the bill to block renaming of bases in Virginia.
    — Davis Winkie, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • The restoration of Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, designation comes after a New York federal judge earlier this month blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to shave six months off of the protections, which are usually for 18 months.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 19 July 2025
Definition of block
Verb
  • Though no charges have been filed, the probe was backed by DOJ leadership and stemmed from a memo by former Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, now a Trump judicial nominee, urging prosecution of state actors who impede immigration enforcement.
    — Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
  • Agents were executing a search warrant at the farm and arrested several individuals on suspicion of impeding the operation, according to Essayli.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of impede
Verb
  • Sandra Lynn Hemme filed the suit Thursday, which accuses investigators of fabricating evidence, coercing a false confession and suppressing evidence that could have proven her innocence.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
  • Past research, Jansen notes, has found that cannabis can suppress the immune system through its active compounds: CBD, THC and other minor cannabinoids.
    — Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Definition of suppress

Phrases Containing stem

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stellar
stem
stemmed
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on stem

Nglish: Translation of stem for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stem

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