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

Relevance

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
  • In some of the first practical consequences of that rupture, U.S. shipments of weapons and equipment already en-route to Ukraine were halted Monday night, a U.S. defense official told NBC News.
    — Artem Grudinin, NBC 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
  • Another feature of Apple’s AI rollout might be delayed, but investors shouldn’t be concerned.
    — Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 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
  • That hasn't stopped the Trump administration from making some bold claims.
    — Joel Rose, NPR, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Don’t stop the agreement that has already brought dozens of hostages back to us.
    — Ibrahim Dahman, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of stop
Verb
  • 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
  • Icke’s’ Oedipus began performances at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre on October 4, 2024, and concluded its record-breaking run on January 4.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of conclude
Verb
  • Henry noted that Reese also attempts many of her layups underhanded, a technique that places the ball low enough for smaller guards such as Skylar Diggins-Smith to block her shot.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Judges already have issued more than 40 orders to temporarily block Trump's actions.
    — Susan Page, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

stem
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stem. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on stem

Nglish: Translation of stem for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stem

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Words You Always Have to Look Up
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

13 Unusually Long English Words

9 Superb Owl Words

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things
See More

Popular Features

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

13 Unusually Long English Words

9 Superb Owl Words
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
girl-pencil-test
Challenging Standardized Test Words Quiz Vol. 3 You’re on your own for the math section.
See All