Definition of proceednext

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 However, minutes later, Yolanda allegedly proceeded to load luggage and pets into an SUV before leaving home. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 After months of development, the streamer has opted not to proceed with it. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026 But questions remain on how many of the projects will proceed and even how much money is on the table. Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 According to Nuvora, the review concluded that no immediate technical or regulatory fatal flaws were identified during the pre-feasibility stage and that the study provides a sufficient basis to proceed toward a Full Feasibility Study (FFS). Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
Verb
  • There’s not a whole lot that can be done to harden them against bombs and drones.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The famed highway—which turns 100 this year—passes through bustling cities, natural landmarks, and quirky roadside attractions, so there’s plenty of things to see (and do) along the way.
    Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The detail everyone avoids could be the one that unlocks progress.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
  • If ash borer problems progress and treating trees is no longer an option, the best solution is to have affected trees removed.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Second, and perhaps more scientific (as far as these things go) is the fact that Sunfyre had not, in any way, begun to rot.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • And Eno and myself at that time were coming into the studio a little bit earlier than everybody in the morning just to get something going.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Supersonic™ Travel comes with a styling concentrator attachment that works well for polished, event-ready styles.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Still, the resignation comes with just weeks before Johnson introduces that budget, his fourth, which will also have to address a likely large 2027 deficit.
    Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Odyssey is holding strong in its third week of release, marching assuredly toward the $1 billion threshold at the global box office.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Aug. 2026
  • As the Chiefs marched to a second straight Super Bowl championship and their third in five seasons, Toney watched unhappily.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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