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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 DeJoy's tenure was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, surges in mail-in election ballots and efforts to stem losses through cost and service cuts. —CBS News, 25 Mar. 2025 The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office conducted Friday night an operation in North Highlands aiming to stem prostitution. —Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2025 Once the pollinators emerge in spring, feel free to finally cut back stems. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2025 The figure is punctuated with holes holding tiny grape stems, a nod to the role Chinese immigrants played in cultivating vineyards in California’s Sonoma Valley. —Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 25 Mar. 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 Afghanistan, where over 23 million people rely on aid, the cuts will end food support for millions, halt care for malnourished children, and disrupt maternal health services.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Besides Boise, the airline’s operations in some other locations, including in Montana and Utah, will be halted to divert resources to its new base in Phoenix, the Press Democrat reported.
    — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of halt
Verb
  • Arkansas established a school scoring record for a three-game series, averaging 17 runs in the seven-inning games — the first via run rule on Saturday, the next two on Sunday shortened after weather delayed the series — against the Tigers, who averaged three runs per game.
    — Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Even so, merely delaying the change doesn't help others and, frankly, customer service could still suffer longer term.
    — Susan Tompor, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of delay
Verb
  • Rain chances are expected to end by late Sunday afternoon and evening.
    — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Here, then, there are no fierce battles that end within a matter of minutes, and no miles-long journeys glossed over by a convenient dissolve.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of end
Verb
  • Has Bacteria-Fighting Properties A study found that ACV helped stop the growth of two harmful bacteria: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli).
    — Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Ronnie Dunn unexpectedly stopped a performance in Indianapolis.
    — Raven Brunner, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of stop
Verb
  • China's tariff rate is now in triple digit territory, and who knows what happens in 90 days when this pause concludes.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • After the video concluded, Dončić wiped away tears before joining his teammates.
    — Wayne Sterling, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of conclude
Verb
  • The current junta similarly blocked relief in 2023 after Cyclone Mocha, denying visas to aid workers and holding up aid packages in customs.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Experience blocking: Parents can now block specific games and experiences.
    — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of block
Verb
  • Removing opportunities for public commentary could impede the department’s ability to operate in the public’s interest, according to experts who spoke with Reuters.
    — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The charges were first dropped a few weeks into President Donald Trump’s second term in part because the case would impede Adams’ ability to do his job as mayor, including cooperating with Trump’s immigration crackdown, the Justice Department’s new acting deputy attorney general wrote.
    — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of impede
Verb
  • To tell the Blue Devils, basically, not to suppress their emotions.
    — Brendan Marks, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The new, later Equal Pay Day marks a troubling reminder of how systemic barriers—ranging from occupational segregation to discrimination in hiring and promotion—continue to suppress the earning power of Black women.
    — Jasmine Browley, Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of suppress

Phrases Containing stem

Browse Nearby Words

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 16 Apr. 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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