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 Prime Video has opted not to proceed with a second season of its supernatural action drama The Bondsman starring Kevin Bacon. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 16 May 2025 Powe proceeded to jump 40-6.25 to win her first state title by more than two feet over runner-up Zenobia Witt of Eaglecrest. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 15 May 2025 And, amazingly, during the call, the two GMs proceeded to discuss free agency plans for six full minutes. Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025 The discussion then proceeded to focus on The Uninvited before circling back to Wood, with the interviewer bring up his upcoming Saturday Night Live appearance. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for proceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
Verb
  • Like the Kearns have done, families could split into different rooms, as well, depending on the age of their children.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • She was given time to do a bit of free thinking to dream up characters between the holidays.
    Katy Henriksen, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Keep an eye on the cats' body language when they get used to each other from behind a door: if their ears are flattened, their fur standing on end, or their body posture rigid, this is negative body language, and things should not progress just yet.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
  • The experience of drinking French wine isn't about quantity but about savoring small servings and moving up in wine quality as the meal progresses.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • So now the mystery of high U.S. interest rates makes sense: keep the dollar strong to keep the confetti going and the runaway government spending funded.
    Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • Season 2 will see Charles (Danson) going undercover at a college.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • She was photographed being marched out of the courthouse in handcuffs.
    Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 11 May 2025
  • After 19 months of war in Gaza, the Israeli government has decided to march deeper into the quagmire.
    Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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