Synonym Chooser

How does the verb emanate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of emanate are arise, derive, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

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

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 would derive be a good substitute for emanate?

In some situations, the words derive and emanate are roughly equivalent. However, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

How are the words flow and spring related as synonyms of emanate?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When is it sensible to use issue instead of emanate?

While the synonyms issue and emanate are close in meaning, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

In what contexts can originate take the place of emanate?

The meanings of originate and emanate largely overlap; however, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

When could proceed be used to replace emanate?

While in some cases nearly identical to emanate, proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When might spring be a better fit than emanate?

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

an idea that springs to mind

Where would stem be a reasonable alternative to emanate?

Although the words stem and emanate have much in common, 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 emanate Radar imagery shared by the National Weather Service on Saturday showed smoke plumes emanating from Long Island. William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025 More to the point, Washington may be slowly adjusting to the on-again-off-again nature of so many things emanating from this White House, but Wall Street is decidedly not. Philip Elliott, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025 This test revealed how easily scents escaped from the trash bins as well as where the smells emanated from. Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 3 Mar. 2025 Apparently migratory birds get confused by high-rises that emanate light. Anelise Chen, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emanate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emanate
Verb
  • The surface of the sun, which has a temperature of 6,000 °C, radiates most strongly in the visible spectrum.
    Jayson Stewart, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Mar. 2025
  • These homes radiate timeless charm, ideal for those seeking sophistication rooted in antiquity. 2.
    Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Most stars emit a continuous spectrum as well, but not all astronomical objects do.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Natural gas is a fossil fuel that tends to produce fewer greenhouse gases than coal but emits methane, a powerful global warming agent.
    Andrew Freedman, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Amazon and Sony Television’s Vought Rising, a prequel of The Boys, has cast Elizabeth Posey (Euphoria, Heels) in a leading and undisclosed role.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2025
  • These stand-alone units use a horizontal form factor to cast sound with better volume and separation.
    K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Emanate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emanate. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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