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 The scientists thus proceeded to assign different combinations of bubble shape, size and depth to different English letters and Arabic numerals in Morse, binary, and ternary codes. New Atlas, 20 June 2025 Del Mar council members originally agreed in April to proceed with an ordinance modeled after the ones in Solana Beach and Encinitas, but also asked city staff to evaluate options for a more comprehensive sidewalk-riding ban. Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025 But the conventional birth proceeded without complications. Nbc News, NBC news, 20 June 2025 According to his ex, Diddy proceeded to open up a pornographic video on her phone and then summon a male escort named Anton to come over. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for proceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
Verb
  • While the audience members could still speak on the item about to be deferred, Rodriguez said, doing so would mean the public wouldn’t have the chance to address commissioners if the item ever came up for an actual vote at a future meeting.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025
  • Apps which are meant to make users safer and more secure but are doing the very opposite.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Officials, though, have insisted for months that talks are progressing with trading partners such as India, Japan and Vietnam but have not made any announcements.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 29 June 2025
  • Most patients survive between two to five years after diagnosis, losing control of their muscles as the neurodegenerative condition progresses.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Simple lifestyle and dietary changes are usually all that is needed to get back on track when things go awry.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 24 June 2025
  • But there is no going all the way back; their faith and trust have been irreparably damaged.
    KORI SCHAKE, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Parade participants march in the LA Pride Parade on Hollywood Blvd.
    Neha Chandrachud, Wired News, 27 June 2025
  • Skokie’s downtown parade steps off at noon at Oakton College on Lincoln Avenue on July 4, marches northwest to Niles Center Road, north to Oakton and east to Oakton Park.
    Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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