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 Gruden was the beneficiary of a key ruling in his case against the league in August as the Nevada Supreme Court determined that his case could proceed in court instead of arbitration. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025 The pair proceed to demonstrate how to make the cookie dough using Legend’s signature formula. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025 Maura is marvelous stomping around the apartment in a cold fury and refusing to speak to Clara, who proceeds regardless with broker negotiations and brings in antiques dealer Abslam (Ahmed Boulane) to buy up the contents. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025 Demola said most mortgage lenders won’t allow a home purchase in a high-risk flood zone to proceed until a homebuyer obtains flood insurance. Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
Verb
  • Many of those that still produce a large share of their products in cities and towns such as Geneva, Vevey, and Zurich—like Nestlé’s Nespresso coffee arm, DSM-Firmenich, and heavy industrial equipment makers like ABB and Hitachi Energy—are unusual in being able to do so competitively.
    Peter Vanham, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
  • But, to do you any good, squeezing the veins must propel the blood in the right direction, toward the heart.
    Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • October does not typically begin with flannel-and-jeans weather, but Louisville is supposed to be gradually trending in that direction as the month progresses.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The timing fits in with recent high-profile demonstrations of new ballistic and hypersonic systems and acknowledged long-range tests, reinforcing that China is progressing in several areas.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Milwaukee rewarded him with a two-year, $11 million contract in July, and, with Damian Lillard gone, Porter is now the point guard, which was confirmed by Doc Rivers a few weeks ago.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • They Chiefs needed just five plays to go 97 yards for the TD.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Though that number won’t grab headlines, the rushing attack passed the eye test against a Minnesota defense that came into the game second in the Big Ten in yards allowed.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Set to come two weeks after the autumnal equinox, the harvest moon will provide several nights of bright moonlight in early October, the Old Farmer's Almanac added.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • On a Wednesday last fall, 20 federal agents marched with guns drawn into the building Nick Allen has called home for nearly 15 years, Allen told The Star last week.
    David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Then, with the best team of his Mississippi tenure, the Rebels marched to the playoff’s doorstep, only to stumble and fall in The Swamp just before crossing the threshold.
    Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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