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
  • However, the chance to get together in person with club members was halted that March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    — Scott Talley, Freep.com, 28 July 2025
  • First, income convergence between Black and white Americans largely halted.
    — Idrees Kahloon, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
Definition of halt
Verb
  • However, rocket launches can often be delayed due to poor weather or issues with the spacecraft.
    — Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • To understand why, consider what businesses stand to lose by delaying automation.
    — Laurent Charpentier, Forbes.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
  • Megan and Thompson ended the workout by helping each other stretch and giving each other a kiss.
    — Vanessa Etienne, People.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
  • Organizations need to stop managing change and start creating it.
    — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of stop
Verb
  • Metallica is slated to kick off their 2026 M72 World Tour in the late spring, which will conclude in the early summer on July 5th, 2026.
    — Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • At a two-day meeting that concludes Wednesday, the Fed is widely expected to hold its key interest rate steady despite President Donald Trump’s monthslong campaign aimed at browbeating Fed Chair Jerome Powell and his colleagues into cutting rates.
    — Paul Davidson, USA Today, 28 July 2025
Definition of conclude
Verb
  • The Botox injections work by blocking a neurotransmitter that triggers sweat production.
    — Raven Brunner, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • However, an air mass can sometimes block a storm, driving it north or northeast toward the Baja California peninsula and the west coast of Mexico.
    — The New York Times, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Definition of block
Verb
  • Age Debt strains an organization’s resources, stifles innovation, and impedes growth.
    — Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • Habba's office charged McIver with two counts of assaulting and impeding a law enforcement officer.
    — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 23 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 4 Aug. 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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