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 He was also traumatized by the death of his mother and resentment about security issues stems directly from this – this was very clear in his angry interview recently on the BBC. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025 From individual stems to handmade bouquets, Hutchison’s passion extends to making beautiful flowers accessible. —Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025 Such untapped potential stems primarily from AI’s ability to improve productivity across the drug lifecycle. —Andreas Eschbach, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Sometimes stems can be woody or difficult to remove. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 24 June 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
  • Apple looks to have delayed the release of the new macOS hardware into 2026.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • The city is planning to put safety upgrades on the stretch, but the project has been delayed to 2026, Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Ben Furnas said.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025
Definition of delay
Verb
  • No epidemic has ever been ended without stopping transmission.
    — Peter Sands, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • The legislation will also end tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles after September, drawing that industry's ire.
    — Sasha Hupka, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of end
Verb
  • The toddler stopped crying about 15 minutes after she had been put down for a nap.
    — Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • Such as when our yellow Lab Frank couldn’t stop wagging his tail while digging a hole.
    — David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 11 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
  • Courthouse security directed media members to leave in the opposite direction, blocking the way.
    — John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 7 July 2025
  • While a few other silhouettes are in the running, this eye-catching option adds some personality to every outfit and helps block out more of the sun than smaller pairs.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 7 July 2025
Definition of block
Verb
  • Will this impede efforts to advance gender equality, especially in technology sectors?
    — Lauren Buitta, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • But some of the worst economic effects will be felt by future generations, who, according to one Gen Zer interviewed by CNBC, are already concerned the deficit will impede their ability to collect social services.
    — Leslie Picker, CNBC, 7 July 2025
Definition of impede
Verb
  • The building’s sprinkler system suppressed the flames before firefighters completed their operations, bringing the fire under control in under 30 minutes, officials said.
    — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • That same resolution created Palestine, which Israel has refused to recognize and has fought to suppress ever since.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 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 19 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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