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 Despite that order, the Trump administration proceeded with deportation flights to El Salvador, contending that the planes had departed before Boasberg’s order was finalized. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025 The program, called International Remote Baggage Screening, will allow passengers arriving in the U.S. and connecting to domestic flights to proceed straight from passport control to the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 Similarly, current year estimated tax payments should proceed as normal, as well as processing of quarterly payroll tax filings. Cindy McGhee, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court granted the Trump administration's emergency request while legal challenges proceeded. Sean O'Driscoll, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
Verb
  • Here’s hoping these two titans of the game meet one more time in the postseason before they’re done.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • But another South Florida spot did: Itamae Ao, a Nikkei-style Peruvian-Japanese spot in Miami, earned its first Michelin star.
    Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As the disease progresses, your doctor may change or add additional medications to control symptoms.
    Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Viewers were able to see a visible change in the dog's demeanor as the video progressed.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, the Knicks went 0-10 against the league’s top three teams (the Celtics, Cavaliers and Thunder).
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • This season’s problem have been down to injuries and fatigue, a result of going deep in three or four competitions for the last eight years and exacerbated by an ageing squad.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Others involve new power lines marching through rural areas on enormous pylons — a prospect that riles up local residents against both the government and National Grid.
    Stanley Reed, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The new trailer shows Smothers reading an excerpt from her book to a live audience when Nelson marches in.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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