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 DeJoy's tenure was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, surges in mail-in election ballots and efforts to stem losses through cost and service cuts. —CBS News, 25 Mar. 2025 The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office conducted Friday night an operation in North Highlands aiming to stem prostitution. —Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2025 Once the pollinators emerge in spring, feel free to finally cut back stems. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2025 The figure is punctuated with holes holding tiny grape stems, a nod to the role Chinese immigrants played in cultivating vineyards in California’s Sonoma Valley. —Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 25 Mar. 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
  • During a recent visit to Beijing, Trump ally and US Senator Steve Daines told Bloomberg News that China must halt the flow of fentanyl ingredients into the US before any trade negotiations could begin.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025
  • President Donald Trump has worked to advance his agenda at lightning speed, but courts have halted those efforts after an avalanche of challenges to his actions.
    — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of halt
Verb
  • Even so, merely delaying the change doesn't help others and, frankly, customer service could still suffer longer term.
    — Susan Tompor, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • However, the brothers will still have a resentencing hearing soon, provided it does not get delayed again.
    — Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of delay
Verb
  • Here, then, there are no fierce battles that end within a matter of minutes, and no miles-long journeys glossed over by a convenient dissolve.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Rain chances are expected to end by late Sunday afternoon and evening.
    — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of end
Verb
  • Has Bacteria-Fighting Properties A study found that ACV helped stop the growth of two harmful bacteria: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli).
    — Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 2025
  • This budget resolution stops a $4 trillion tax hike from hitting families and small businesses.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of stop
Verb
  • During her time on the long-running ABC drama, which concluded after 12 seasons in 2005, Delaney won an Emmy in 1997 for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series.
    — Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • In its most recent meeting, which concluded on March 19, Fed officials acknowledged growing economic uncertainty, prompting them to raise their inflation forecast while lowering their growth outlook.
    — Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of conclude
Verb
  • The current junta similarly blocked relief in 2023 after Cyclone Mocha, denying visas to aid workers and holding up aid packages in customs.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Experience blocking: Parents can now block specific games and experiences.
    — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of block
Verb
  • Removing opportunities for public commentary could impede the department’s ability to operate in the public’s interest, according to experts who spoke with Reuters.
    — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The charges were first dropped a few weeks into President Donald Trump’s second term in part because the case would impede Adams’ ability to do his job as mayor, including cooperating with Trump’s immigration crackdown, the Justice Department’s new acting deputy attorney general wrote.
    — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of impede
Verb
  • To tell the Blue Devils, basically, not to suppress their emotions.
    — Brendan Marks, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Older, post-menopausal women are especially susceptible, since lower estrogen levels can lead to decreased levels of beneficial bacteria that suppress infection-causing bacteria.
    — Alice Park, TIME, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of suppress

Phrases Containing stem

Browse Nearby Words

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 13 Apr. 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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