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 Howard won Downingtown West’s quarterback competition as a sophomore, then, with charisma and confidence, proceeded to win over a locker room full of seniors who had initially favored the other QB. Mike Defabo, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025 The Historic Third Ward Architectural Review Board is awaiting the federal agency's decision before proceeding. Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 20 Aug. 2025 As for supplements, Manos notes to proceed with caution. Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 20 Aug. 2025 Tate didn't budge and Hall proceeded to put on stunning displays of GOP unity. Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
Verb
  • In 2024-2025 the lodge stayed open for the winter, doing events like winemaker dinners.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Russia has a 50-year goal, to re-unite parts of the old Soviet Union; Ukraine has a more immediate goal, to stop the war and not give up any territory to do so.
    Richard Stengel, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But the American began to lose her serve as the set progressed.
    Lukas Weese, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
  • There’s been more and more to like out of 2025’s Mr. Irrelevant as the summer has progressed.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • George Springer helped lead Toronto’s offense, going 3 for 6 with a solo homer, a double and an RBI single.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Peter Aiken/Getty Images Footage of the incident has since gone viral and circulated online, drawing widespread attention and sparking discussion among fans and analysts around the team and its players.
    Cecil Merkerson, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • One such group of 50 marched so that 30 of them formed the vertical part, and 20 the horizontal part of a gigantic white cross.
    Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Boy Scouts marched, as did fraternities, high-school classes, postmen, and newspaper columnists.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 26 Aug. 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!