Synonyms of proceed

proceed

verb

prō-ˈsēd 

as in to do

to move forward along a course

you may proceed with your plan

Synonyms & Similar Words

• do
• progress
• go
• come
• march
• forge
• advance
• come along
• get along
• go along
• get on
• pace
• go off
• fare
• accelerate
• gain ground
• speed
• approach
• push
• travel
• drive
• pass
• near
• repair
• journey
• propel
• run
• impel
• wend
• actuate
• fast-forward
• take out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• remain
• stop
• stand
• stay
• check
• impede
• hinder
• halt
• obstruct
• block
• arrest
• detain
• stem
• slow (down or up)
• suppress
• hold back
• interrupt
• delay
• cease
• retard
• repress
• inhibit
• wait
• balk
• stall
• hamper
• pause
• nip
• stunt
• let up
• regress
• cramp

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

Recent Examples of proceed

New York’s attorney general has since filed her own lawsuit, which a judge allowed to proceed in July. — Pawan Jain, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026

And so, the two men with very different life philosophies proceed to journey ever deeper into the South American heart of darkness, with a little bit of The Searchers thrown in for good measure. — Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

After Lewandowski tussled with Inter Miami defender Ian Fray, De Paul approached Lewandowski aggressively and proceeded to recite the latest accomplishments on his résumé. — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Prima Facie signifies a legal claim that has sufficient evidence to proceed to trial or judgment. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing proceed

• proceed (along)
• proceed (with)