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 The current crisis of economic inequality—with its attendant democratic instability—stems directly from policies guided by free-market fundamentalism. —David Faris, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 Branches cut from hedges are an unconventional choice, but their curvy stems look beautiful and sculptural in a clear vase. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2025 Local health departments have expanded vaccination clinics and testing hubs to try to stem the cases. —Isabella Kwai, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025 The organizations’ work is aimed at stemming that tide. —Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 18 Feb. 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 the days following the press conference, Trump’s administration halted further U.S. aid to Ukraine and also ended intelligence sharing between Washington and Kyiv.
    — David Axe, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • All live-fire exercises in the current drill were halted until the investigation to determine the exact reason for the accident was finished.
    — Hakyung Kate Lee, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of halt
Verb
  • Due to internal miscommunication and misunderstandings, family communication was delayed.
    — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Trump had delayed the tariffs once before to allow more time for talks.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of delay
Verb
  • Hamas has freed all 25 living hostages included in the first six-week phase ending on March 1 in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
    — Joseph Krauss, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Use of the funding is up to the discretion of the organization, but vice president Gretchen Raffa confirmed that part of it will go towards stockpiling mifepristone, a drug used to end pregnancies.
    — Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of end
Verb
  • Misinformation campaigns have increasingly targeted clean energy, pushing the idea that solar and wind are unreliable—a line taken up by Citizens for Responsible Solar, a group led by a conservative operative who works to stop solar projects on farmland and timberland.
    — Kate Yoder, WIRED, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The Windsor Police Department said in a social media post that one of its deputies stopped a vehicle with two passengers in the 700 block of Shiloh Road at about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.
    — Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of stop
Verb
  • Russian assaults are down from up to 60 per day to as few as 18, CDS concluded.
    — David Axe, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The decision also suggests the court in at least some cases is prepared to stand behind trial judges who conclude the administration might be violating the law.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of conclude
Verb
  • Protesters blocked trucks carrying Palisades fire debris from reaching a landfill in Calabasas.
    — Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Blue Ghost also plans to capture high-definition imagery of a total eclipse as the Earth blocks the sun just before a lunar sunset ushers in frigid lunar night on March 16.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of block
Verb
  • However, any individual who impedes law enforcement operations, potentially threatening the safety of law enforcement agents and subjects of their investigations, is subject to investigation and potential prosecution by the Department of Justice.
    — Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Without such reform, unmanageable debt will continue to impede these countries from investing in domestic green industrial strategies or in other measures to prevent and respond to climate, health, and other emergencies.
    — Mariana Mazzucato, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of impede
Verb
  • The answer is clear: Our city council clings to an outdated system that suppresses voter engagement.
    — DP Opinion, The Denver Post, 4 Mar. 2025
  • From algorithmic bias that suppresses Black creators to the unchecked harassment that drives them offline, the need for digital hubs designed with Black users in mind has never been more urgent.
    — Jasmine Browley, Essence, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of suppress

Phrases Containing stem

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Cite this Entry

“Stem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stem. Accessed 12 Mar. 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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