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 Federal Reserve officials are still divided over the path of interest rates for this year, stemming in part from disagreements regarding the state of the labor market. —Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026 An exhibition in Beijing delving into anonymity, a key code of the house stemming back to the founder Martin Margiela’s Greta Garbo-like ways — and the face-obscuring masks that have been a feature of the brand since the Belgian maverick arrived on the international fashion scene. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026 Pests can also be particularly harmful to tender, young plant stems. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026 Keeping plants indoors too long increases the risk of plant edema and weak plant stems. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2026 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
  • But the shutdown will not halt Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Customs and Border Protection operations because Republicans in Congress sent those agencies tens of millions of dollars in extra funding last year.
    — Riley Beggin, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Pay would be halted for 56,000 active duty, reserve and civilian personnel, but they would still be required to show up for work.
    — Justin Gomez, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of halt
Verb
  • Silver firmly stated that the investigation and its findings were not purposely delayed while the Clippers host this All-Star weekend.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Officials from those agencies warned lawmakers that the lapse in funding will leave thousands of personnel working without pay, disrupt disaster reimbursements, delay cyber protections and more.
    — Justin Gomez, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of delay
Verb
  • Now a rather similar squad is tasked with ending the title drought.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Connor also ended things with Emma after telling her about his strong connection with Bri.
    — Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of end
Verb
  • From open models to real-world applications, China has shown that constraints have not stopped it from gaining ground.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • From there, James made second-team All-NBA the next season and didn’t stop landing on one of the three teams until this season.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of stop
Verb
  • Some current central bankers — such as Fed governors Christopher Waller and Lisa Cook, in addition to Powell himself — have concluded AI has the potential to significantly boost productivity.
    — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Of those, 15 have been concluded and 10 are at or near conclusion.
    — STEPHEN GROVES, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of conclude
Verb
  • But Philips got her pads down to block a low shot to the disappointment of the home audience.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Millions of dollars in federal funds were set to flow once again to the Hudson River Tunnel Thursday night, after a federal court order blocking the bucks expired.
    — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of block
Verb
  • Dozens of felony cases against protesters accused of assaulting or impeding federal officers have also crumbled.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Along with this comes a lack of awareness about eating disorders, stigma and unhealthy attitudes and assumptions toward mental health from coaches and other athletic personnel, all of which can impede an athlete’s likelihood of seeking care.
    — Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of impede
Verb
  • Nevertheless, the free spirit of Americans cannot be suppressed.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The royal government was also known as a dictatorship for banning political parties, suppressing revolts and political opposition, controlling the press and having its own secret police force called SAVAK.
    — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
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 15 Feb. 2026.

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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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