spring 1 of 2

Definition of springnext

spring

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb spring differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spring are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

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

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 is it sensible to use derive instead of spring?

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

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

Where would emanate be a reasonable alternative to spring?

While in some cases nearly identical to spring, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How are the words flow and spring related?

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

words flowed easily from her pen

When might issue be a better fit than spring?

Although the words issue and spring have much in common, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When would originate be a good substitute for spring?

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

the fire originated in the basement

When could proceed be used to replace spring?

The synonyms proceed and spring are sometimes interchangeable, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

In what contexts can stem take the place of spring?

While the synonyms stem and spring are close in meaning, stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

How does the verb spring differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spring are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

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

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 is it sensible to use derive instead of spring?

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

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

Where would emanate be a reasonable alternative to spring?

While in some cases nearly identical to spring, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How are the words flow and spring related?

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

words flowed easily from her pen

When might issue be a better fit than spring?

Although the words issue and spring have much in common, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When would originate be a good substitute for spring?

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

the fire originated in the basement

When could proceed be used to replace spring?

The synonyms proceed and spring are sometimes interchangeable, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

In what contexts can stem take the place of spring?

While the synonyms stem and spring are close in meaning, 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 spring
Noun
Bake cupcakes until slightly domed, golden, and surface springs back when gently pressed in the center, 18–22 minutes. Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026 Wild turkeys are more aggressive during spring mating season, which runs through May. The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
Other recent polls measured a similar drop led by negative views on the economy and the ongoing war that sprung a widening conflict in the Middle East. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026 That’s the real reason why Oracle stock has sprung back to life. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spring
Noun
  • Raridon is 6 feet 6, has a wingspan of 80 inches and posted a vertical leap of 36 inches, all promising signs for what is to come.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Regis' leap to the pros left a void along the Aggies defensive line.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Bo Erickson | Reuters A source who was attending the event, and was briefed by Secret Service after the shooting, told CNBC’s Eamon Javers that a man with a shotgun had approached metal detectors and was shot by Secret Service agents.
    Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2026
  • David Rubenstein, principal owner of the Baltimore Orioles, was also among the guests, sources told Candy Woodall of Spotlight on Maryland.
    Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Carolyn Hax started her Washington Post advice column in 1997, after five years on the Style desk and none as a therapist.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 15 May 2026
  • That process started with those trades and continued into free agency, when Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn prioritized veteran players to help guide a young roster.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Orlando’s defense caused problems early for Detroit when the Magic forced seven turnovers in the opening four minutes and jumped out to a 19-7 lead.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The strategy also is open to criticism, especially after the Steelers spent most of Day 3 adding special-teams players — why not trade some of that Day 3 draft capital to jump up and secure Lemon like the Eagles did (Philly traded two fourth-rounders to move up three spots)?
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Patriots lost K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency and released edge defender Anfernee Jennings.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
  • With micro-dramas, if audiences don’t respond on the day a title is released, the social-media algorithm stops promoting it, and Zhou immediately changes what he green-lights.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • On Friday night, Richardson put together his finest effort of the season, reaching 49 feet, 7 inches on his final hop, step and jump at the Escondido Invitational — traditionally the final invitational of the season.
    Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • There was some physicality – McAvoy absolutely buried Peyton Krebs off the hop – but little post-whistle chicanery.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For audiences expecting a cradle-to-grave reckoning, that cutoff can feel abrupt.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Still, among the more than 100 billion people who have walked the Earth in human history, the Artemis II astronauts have ventured farther from the cradle than anyone else.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Construction will begin this summer on a new weight room that should help.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The greatest tornado potential is centered on Sunday over Kansas, where strong storms are expected to begin firing off around noon local time on Sunday, ahead of the severe weather developing later in the afternoon.
    Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spring. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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