STEM Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

stem

verb

Definition of stem next

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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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

Examples of stem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When asked what her plans were to stem the escalating war in Gaza, Harris said that October 7th was a tragedy, Israel has the right to defend itself, and far too many Palestinian civilians have died, which does not actually suggest any plan of action. —

Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024 Vegetables and Plant-Based Protein Sources Vegetables are foods that come from any edible part of a plant, such as leaves, seeds, roots, flowers, tubers, stems, and bulbs. —

Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 11 Oct. 2024 Another method involves wrapping electromagnetic coils around plant stems to boost root development. —

Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 10 Oct. 2024 Changes to the de minimis rule could potentially stem the flow of low-price synthetic goods, and encourage consumers to look for better quality, more durable apparel that benefits U.S. brands. —

Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stem

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Stem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stem. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

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Last Updated: 30 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of stem

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