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 Oscar winner then proceeded to down the entire glass as cheers erupted in the room. Catherine Santino, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025 Unless one candidate pulls through with more than 50% of the vote, or the margin between the two most popular candidates is more than 10% wide, the election will proceed to a second round in April. Max Saltman, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025 Accompanied by just a piano, Kimmel proceeded to show her a series of cue cards with lyrics written by his late night team. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2025 Developers hit a snag in 2020 when the pandemic hit, but construction proceeded in the neighborhood the following year. Grace Hase, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for proceed 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
Verb
  • During the 2023 Chiefs season, fans believed the singer's attendance at 13 games — her favorite number — had something to do with the red-and-gold winning the Super Bowl.
    Bryan West, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Skin scents simply don’t challenge me the way more complex creations do.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • While tariffs on Canada and Mexico have been paused, the White House has warned that they could still be enacted if border security agreements do not progress.
    Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Listen to this article GAINESVILLE — Florida will look to rebound from its worst offensive showing under Todd Golden with leading scorer Walter Clayton Jr. nursing a left ankle sprain but progressing well just two days after the injury.
    Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • President Cal Bradford’s last day on — or rather, under — Earth is the focus of this week’s Paradise, an hour that also sees Xavier officially go rogue.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The Eagles also went 18-3 and won the championship a year after dysfunction led to the team losing six of its final seven games, including a playoff defeat.
    Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Carrying signs, banners and flags of Mexico, Honduras, Argentina and other Latin American countries, the students marched a serpentine route from their 8th Street school through Sundance Square, stopping at the Tarrant County Courthouse before heading back to campus.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2025
  • At one point, a group of protesters marched onto the 101 Freeway, putting traffic to a stop on one of the city’s main commuting roadways.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 2 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near proceed

Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 16 Feb. 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!