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 Arbitration bears some resemblance to a courtroom proceeding in that rival parties argue competing points before a decision-maker, but there are many differences. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2024 The home team proceeded to pick up two first downs to run out the clock. Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 The popular actor and model then proceeded to land leading roles in Japanese TV dramas such as Dr. Chocolate, Code Japan:The Price of Wishes, Welcome Home Monet and the Japanese remake of Signal, plus films such as Side by Side and The Last 10 Years. Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 Having given us not just one but two extremely familiar storylines, McQueen then proceeds to fill up both of them with details, incidents and side players. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proceed 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
Verb
  • And Agatha is a success, both critically and with audiences, and grew in week-to-week viewership over time, a pretty rare feat in the streaming landscape (The Penguin has also been doing this over on HBO).
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Massage and Exfoliate According to Mathieu, massaging the scalp does a lot to keep the scalp moisturized.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • If Swiatek and Krejcikova win, Swiatek will progress as the group winner and Pegula will be knocked out.
    Manasi Pathak, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • As the technology has progressed, however, the rules governing shipwrecks have tightened considerably.
    Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Tough way for the drive to end for Philly, which opted to kick a short field goal instead of going for the tie.
    Greg Rosenstein, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Filippone recently sold a condo whose agent went into contract, then didn’t send in his client’s application.
    Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Besides the traditional high-flying inflatables, marching bands and parade floats, the NBC telecast will also feature performing casts from Broadway shows like Death Becomes Her, Hell’s Kitchen and The Outsiders, as well as the iconic Radio City Rockettes.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Bunch your deductions Strategic charitable giving is especially important in a year like 2024, where the market is marching higher.
    Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near proceed

Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on proceed

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