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 Since taking office in 2019, Bukele has enacted controversial measures to stem the crime and gang violence that has plagued the country for years. —Merlin Delcid, CNN Money, 19 May 2025 At the hearing Wednesday, Robert Ricks, Mr. Brooks’s father, condemned the inability of state officials to stem violence and disorder behind the walls of New York’s prisons. —Jan Ransom, New York Times, 15 May 2025 Bury the bottom of the edging a few inches into the soil to create a barrier that can block underground grass roots, and make sure the edging rises a few inches above the ground to keep out grass stems. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025 This variability stems largely from under-recognition—most clinicians seldom consider PoTS during evaluation, according to Spiritos. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 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
  • The administration could ask the Supreme Court to halt the ruling as early as Friday.
    — Alex Harring,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 29 May 2025
  • The ruling halts the president's tariffs in nearly every country, though the White House is all but certain to appeal the decision.
    — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of halt
Verb
  • At least three lawsuits have been filed against the company for delaying the features and circulating misleading iPhone 16 ads regarding Apple Intelligence.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 26 May 2025
  • Newark’s airport was again plagued by delays over Memorial Day weekend, with more than 150 flights in and 230 flights out delayed on Saturday, according to flight-tracking data.
    — Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025
Definition of delay
Verb
  • The new legislation is the latest in a flurry of bills introduced by Democratic lawmakers aimed at ending the ability of presidents and members of Congress to own or oversee businesses that issue or promote crypto products.
    — Michelle Conlin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Celebrating Rubio’s announcement, Miami Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar claimed that ending the Chevron license provides a crippling blow to Maduro’s finances.
    — Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
Definition of end
Verb
  • The chase reportedly ended when Buckley wrecked near the intersection of Watts and McAlister streets, an area of mostly forest about 1 1/2 miles southeast of where Buckley was first stopped.
    — Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
  • The former analyst ends up becoming a critical new addition to the gang in their mission to stop the Entity from destroying the world.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of stop
Verb
  • When this period of rapid expansion concludes, Nvidia’s valuation will likely drop significantly.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Some investors must be concluding that this is basically a no-growth company.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Definition of conclude
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza blocked and offloaded 77 food trucks, the U.N. World Food Program said, as hunger mounts amid Israel's monthslong blockade of the territory.
    — SAM MEDNICK, Arkansas Online, 1 June 2025
  • The Four of Pentacles suggests that clinging too tightly to control or resources may block abundance from flowing freely into your life.
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025
Definition of block
Verb
  • The affair did not impede Smotrich’s ascent as a settler activist and politician.
    — Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025
  • Any action that impedes these dynamics should be flatly rejected because unnecessarily regulating a competitive marketplace will only harm consumers.
    — Michael Santorelli, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of impede
Verb
  • Eight engines, three water tenders, two dozers and one hand crew are working to suppress the fire.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 26 May 2025
  • And in 1955, the McGee Fire burned through much of Converse Basin, consuming second-growth sequoias and demonstrating the dangers of suppressing all fires.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 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 5 Jun. 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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