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

\/\/ an idea that springs<\/em> to mind<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do 'arise' and 'rise' relate to one another, in the sense of 'spring'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Arise<\/em><\/a> and rise<\/em><\/a> may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise<\/em> often stresses gradual growth or ascent.<\/p>

\/\/ new questions have arisen<\/em><\/p>

\/\/ slowly rose<\/em> to prominence<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'derive' instead of 'spring'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words derive<\/em><\/a> and spring<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, derive<\/em> implies a prior existence in another form.<\/p>

\/\/ the holiday derives<\/em> from an ancient Roman feast<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'emanate' be a reasonable alternative to 'spring'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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

\/\/ reports emanating<\/em> from the capital<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are the words 'flow' and 'spring' related?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Flow<\/em><\/a> adds to spring<\/em> a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.<\/p>

\/\/ words flowed<\/em> easily from her pen<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'issue' be a better fit than 'spring'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words issue<\/em><\/a> and spring<\/em> have much in common, issue<\/em> suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.<\/p>

\/\/ blood issued<\/em> from the cut<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'originate' be a good substitute for 'spring'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of originate<\/em><\/a> and spring<\/em> largely overlap; however, originate<\/em> implies a definite source or starting point.<\/p>

\/\/ the fire originated<\/em> in the basement<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'proceed' be used to replace 'spring'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms proceed<\/em><\/a> and spring<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but proceed<\/em> stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.<\/p>

\/\/ advice that proceeds<\/em> from the best of intentions<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'stem' take the place of 'spring'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms stem<\/em><\/a> and spring<\/em> are close in meaning, stem<\/em> implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.<\/p>

\/\/ industries stemming<\/em> from space research<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the verb 'spring' differ from other similar words?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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

\/\/ an idea that springs<\/em> to mind<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do 'arise' and 'rise' relate to one another, in the sense of 'spring'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Arise<\/em><\/a> and rise<\/em><\/a> may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise<\/em> often stresses gradual growth or ascent.<\/p>

\/\/ new questions have arisen<\/em><\/p>

\/\/ slowly rose<\/em> to prominence<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'derive' instead of 'spring'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words derive<\/em><\/a> and spring<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, derive<\/em> implies a prior existence in another form.<\/p>

\/\/ the holiday derives<\/em> from an ancient Roman feast<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'emanate' be a reasonable alternative to 'spring'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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

\/\/ reports emanating<\/em> from the capital<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are the words 'flow' and 'spring' related?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Flow<\/em><\/a> adds to spring<\/em> a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.<\/p>

\/\/ words flowed<\/em> easily from her pen<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'issue' be a better fit than 'spring'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words issue<\/em><\/a> and spring<\/em> have much in common, issue<\/em> suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.<\/p>

\/\/ blood issued<\/em> from the cut<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'originate' be a good substitute for 'spring'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of originate<\/em><\/a> and spring<\/em> largely overlap; however, originate<\/em> implies a definite source or starting point.<\/p>

\/\/ the fire originated<\/em> in the basement<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'proceed' be used to replace 'spring'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms proceed<\/em><\/a> and spring<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but proceed<\/em> stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.<\/p>

\/\/ advice that proceeds<\/em> from the best of intentions<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'stem' take the place of 'spring'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms stem<\/em><\/a> and spring<\/em> are close in meaning, stem<\/em> implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.<\/p>

\/\/ industries stemming<\/em> from space research<\/p>" } } ] }

spring 1 of 2

noun

Definition of springnext
1
as in leap
an act of leaping into the air the deer gave a sudden spring and disappeared into the woods

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in source
a point or place at which something is invented or provided the springs of this time-honored tradition run too deep to allow for easy explanation

Synonyms & Similar Words

spring

2 of 2

verb

ˈspriÅ‹ How to pronounce spring (audio)
1
as in to start
to come into existence when it comes to love and romance, hope springs eternally

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to leap
to propel oneself upward or forward into the air the cat sprang and pounced on the mouse

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to release
to set free (as from slavery or confinement) had to spend a night in jail until their lawyer could come to spring them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Cfoto | Future Publishing | Getty Images Farmers in the northern hemisphere are heading into the crucial spring months, during which major fieldwork must begin. —Chloe Taylor,sam Meredith, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026 Notably, the passive EXO had zero lag – as soon as the arm lifted, the springs instantly bore the weight. —Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
But tempos were fitting, the playing skilled and well sprung. —Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 22 Mar. 2026 Spring has sprung, and with that, a new cookbook drop featuring oh-so-many baking titles. —The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spring
  1. leap
  2. source
  3. start
  4. jump
  5. release
  6. hop
  7. cradle
  8. begin
Noun
  • Your 9th House of Learning supports such leaps, so let your pals remind you why fun is a blessing.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
  • But the film never takes the leap into seeing that thinking that way might be part of the problem.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of leap
Noun
  • Academically, no; the call for honest and accurate citation of one’s sources will, and must, ring out as forcefully as ever.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center says the animals have played an integral role in the state's history and ecology and served as a staple food source for people living in the region as far back as the Paleo-Indian period.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of source
Verb
  • Sign up here to receive an email right as the chat is about to start.
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The fleet will start replacing the Navy’s aging Ohio-class submarines by the 2030s and will remain operational till 2084.
    — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of start
Verb
  • McCain helped the Thunder jump out to a 35-25 lead after the first quarter with a pair of 3-pointers.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Oil prices cratered Monday, while Dow futures jumped.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of jump
Verb
  • The project, which has not been released, was approved during Mayor Eric Adams’ tenure.
    — Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • That oil will be in addition to the 440 million barrels the United States and other countries are releasing from their reserves to combat rising fuel prices.
    — Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of release
Noun
  • First he's admired, then he's cracked or cut, a hop-tastic moment that turns a bunny spectacle into shareable bites.
    — Mike Snider, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Luis Arraez walked, and pinch-runner Javier Sanoja stole second just ahead of catcher Will Smith’s one-hop throw.
    — Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of hop
Noun
  • Cellphone mounts or cradles allow people to access their mobile devices at all times.
    — Rachel Swan, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Gender, above all, determines how life is supposed to proceed, from cradle to grave; one of her longest digressions is an overview of the different ways that, to her mind, men and women are supposed to die.
    — Isle McElroy, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of cradle
Verb
  • As tensions began to thaw in 2015, Cubans were able to raise their flag at the embassy for the first time since 1961.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
  • New crackdowns have already begun, including executions, last week, of protesters arrested in January.
    — Jason Rezaian, New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of begin

Phrases Containing spring

Browse Nearby Words

sprigs
spring
spring (for)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spring. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spring

Nglish: Translation of spring for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spring

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