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 They were ultimately given the green light to proceed on April 18, 10 days before their event. Ryan Hopper, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Then, racers will proceed back toward Hyde Park Square. Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Poff’s criticism is connected to the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, a private nonprofit that protects Franklin Park, which has led efforts to halt the project from proceeding with unsuccessful lawsuits and a recent appeal. Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 2 July 2025 This is the base of solid, simple rules that the company needs in order to proceed carefully and safely in the AI environment, respecting the company’s needs for security and data privacy. Kathleen Hurley, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for proceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
Verb
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as much of your exploring will probably be done on foot.
    New York Times, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Humanoid robots, because they are designed to mirror parts of the human body, have more axes—or joints—on them than many other form factors, like robotic arms or other AMRs do.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • More serious conditions like infection can also occur if contaminated water enters small cuts or open wounds in the skin, and can progress to sepsis if left untreated.
    ByMary Kekatos, ABC News, 11 July 2025
  • Budget cuts, staff reductions and other sweeping changes from the federal government are posing real threats to California’s environment and progress against climate change, state officials said Thursday.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Decked in his trademark fluorescent yellow, the run of 10,000 tickets for what has typically been one of Silverstone’s slower-selling grandstands went within 90 minutes.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 July 2025
  • But the story goes a little something like this: Cheyenne, along with her two older brothers, was taken in by their great-grandparents after their mother lost custody.
    Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • The news sent momentary jitters through equity markets, but stocks had shrugged off all uncertainty by midweek to march higher still.
    Irina Ivanova, Fortune, 10 July 2025
  • Wesley ventures into the crowd The sheer excitement (and youthful demographic) of the audience was on full display toward the end of the set when Schultz leaped off the stage and started marching through the crowd, up toward the lawn packed with concertgoers at the back of the venue.
    Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 9 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on proceed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!