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

Examples 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 meteorologist noted that when took the oath of office in 2009 the ceremony proceeded outdoors, with a temperature of 28 degrees and a northwest wind of around 15mph. Joe Edwards, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 Fox had intended to be part of the Venu sports streaming service, before last Friday's announcement that the joint venture would not proceed. CBS News, 16 Jan. 2025 It is expected to begin Sunday if Israel's Cabinet and Supreme Court allow the deal to proceed. Doha Madani, NBC News, 16 Jan. 2025 But Ole Miss took a 12-point lead into the fourth quarter and proceeded to miss all 12 field-goal attempts in the final period, including a potential score-tying layup at the buzzer. Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for proceed 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
Verb
  • Benitez was able to win hearts and votes at the conclave with one impactful speech; Moore may have done the same at the Golden Globes.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025
  • So what exactly has Trump and his administration done around immigration?
    Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The reports appear every Monday and provide a detailed breakdown of how your movement, recovery (from exercise and stress), and sleep have progressed over time.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 24 Jan. 2025
  • But that’s where (manager) Will (Venable) and the staff come in and take advantage of those teaching moments for these players to progress at the major-league level.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The funds will go towards annual exams, cancer screenings, birth control and other family planning services.
    Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 19 Jan. 2025
  • This is where a big contradiction comes in: if Americans buy fewer foreign cars, tariff revenue goes down.
    Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • With the Chiefs marching toward winning another AFC Championship and a trip to the Super Bowl, Lamar Hunt’s legacy takes center stage in two ways.
    Monty Davis, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Hundreds of people celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Day on Monday, marching through the streets of Land Park.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacramento Bee, 21 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near proceed

Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on proceed

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