flow 1 of 2

verb

ˈflō How to pronounce flow (audio)
Definition of flownext
1
as in to stream
to move in a stream water was flowing over the dam at a tremendous rate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to drift
to move or proceed smoothly and readily as everyone relaxed, the conversation really started to flow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flow

2 of 2

noun

as in flood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb flow differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of flow are arise, derive, emanate, issue, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

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

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 might derive be a better fit than flow?

The synonyms derive and flow are sometimes interchangeable, but derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

In what contexts can emanate take the place of flow?

The meanings of emanate and flow largely overlap; however, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

When would issue be a good substitute for flow?

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

blood issued from the cut

When can originate be used instead of flow?

While in some cases nearly identical to flow, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

Where would proceed be a reasonable alternative to flow?

The words proceed and flow 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 flow?

The words spring and flow are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

When could stem be used to replace flow?

While the synonyms stem and flow 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 flow
Verb
When conditions are met (e.g., delivery confirmed via oracle or IoT sensor), payment flows instantly. —Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 The family spirit flows through the food, with Caribbean team members contributing recipes, secret ingredients, and cooking techniques to menus. —Sandals Resorts, AFAR Media, 4 June 2025
Noun
More importantly, by supporting credit flow where banks cannot or will not, nontraditional finance keeps the gears of the economy turning. —Liquidia, USA Today, 5 June 2025 In addition to resuming the flow of international humanitarian aid into Gaza, the proposal also called for the initiation of new negotiations aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire. —Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for flow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flow
  1. stream
  2. drift
  3. flood
  4. pour
  5. glide
  6. inflow
  7. sail
  8. torrent
Verb
  • Ocean with David Attenborough premieres June 7 on National Geographic and begins streaming June 8 on Hulu and Disney+, coinciding with World Oceans Day.
    — Simon Perry, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • The full series will also be available for streaming on PBS.org and the PBS app beginning Nov. 16.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025
Definition of stream
Verb
  • The Switch's most famous durability issue has been the Joy-Con controllers that have experienced drifting problems, but that's only part of the story here.
    — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 6 June 2025
  • The smoke has drifted south and east, creating moderate air quality levels for a large swath of central and southeastern states, according to AirNow.gov.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Definition of drift
Noun
  • Still, the goal remains the same: to close the hemp loophole that’s led to a flood of unregulated, intoxicating products being sold online and at gas stations nationwide, as emphasized by the Committee’s press release.
    — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Still, the country is doubling down on manufacturing, and this production overdrive is rippling through global markets, stirring anxiety in Asia that a flood of cheap imports could squeeze local industries, experts said.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 June 2025
Definition of flood
Verb
  • All told, venture capital investors and private equity firms poured $3.1 billion to fund 144 deals in the L.A. area in the first quarter of this year, up 15% from a year ago, according to research firm CB Insights.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
  • Moving quickly, slowly pour the hot sugar mixture, a ¼ cup at a time, into the sugar-egg mixture while whisking by hand continuously to temper the eggs.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
Definition of pour
Verb
  • HGVs are launched by rockets and glide toward targets, while HCMs use air-breathing engines to maintain hypersonic speeds.
    — Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • As of now, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass is the only serious candidate in the race, meaning the first-term mayor could glide to reelection.
    — Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
Definition of glide
Noun
  • Since the market recovered all of its April losses, those daily inflows have fallen by more than half, to roughly $1.4 billion, despite the rally.
    — Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 2 June 2025
  • The Catawba River inflow can be a good fishing spot.
    — Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2025
Definition of inflow
Verb
  • It was supposed to head south to refuel in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, before heading out of New York Harbor and was never meant to sail under the bridge.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
  • Now, her legacy will sail into new waters — literally.
    — Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 6 June 2025
Definition of sail
Noun
  • In the days after her speech, the young graduate has received nationwide media attention, along with a torrent of ardent support and biting criticism.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
  • Following a torrent of polls released over the last few weeks, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office, the few polls released this week indicate a slight uptick in support for the president.
    — Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Definition of torrent

Phrases Containing flow

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flouts
flow
flowed
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Cite this Entry

“Flow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flow. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flow

Nglish: Translation of flow for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flow

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