Synonym Chooser

How does the verb proceed differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of proceed are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, originate, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

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

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 derive a more appropriate choice than proceed?

The synonyms derive and proceed are sometimes interchangeable, but derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

When would emanate be a good substitute for proceed?

While the synonyms emanate and proceed are close in meaning, 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 as synonyms of proceed?

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 proceed?

The meanings of issue and proceed largely overlap; however, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When is it sensible to use originate instead of proceed?

While in some cases nearly identical to proceed, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

When might spring be a better fit than proceed?

Although the words spring and proceed have much in common, spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

When could stem be used to replace proceed?

In some situations, the words stem and proceed are roughly equivalent. However, 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 proceed Then, as the Universe cools further, nuclear fusion reactions can proceed, first forming deuterium out of protons and neutrons and then synthesizing heavier elements, like helium, and then (if there’s enough energy) lithium and heavier elements, after that. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 16 Sep. 2025 Arias-Galva said that she had been cut off by Heinz, who proceeded to threaten her with death and then allegedly shot her. Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025 The question of whether to postpone or proceed with matches has been an increasingly fraught issue this season, and is not limited to medical emergencies involving individual players. Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 Gibson proceeded to the Children’s Chorus room, where two staffers welcomed her to poke through the costume racks. Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
Verb
  • Ford dropped it from the Explorer’s retail lineup, but continues to offer it in police vehicles, which benefit from its ability to power AC and other accessories without running the engine when parked, as patrol vehicles often spend lots of time doing.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Never follow your boyfriend to college, especially a seemingly mediocre college, as Belly does with Jeremiah to the fictional Finch.
    Vogue, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After progressing through one or both certifications, learners are able to obtain digital badges and shareable credentials.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • But as the year progresses, carmakers are not expected to offer a lot of deals, said Cox Automotive executive analyst Erin Keating.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lucky went 1,500 days in the shelter without being adopted, then everything changed.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Before all that happened, though, there was the eight-course dinner, which went totally fine as predicted.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Wildfire worries With the worsening drought comes worries over wildfires.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The first strike actually came defensively.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Cougars got the ball to start and marched down the field and scored.
    Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Instead of buckling to the pressure, McCarthy and company marched down the field and put together three impressive scoring drives.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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