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 Justice Department attorneys subsequently asked the circuit court to step in and stop the hearing and to assign the case to a different judge, but the hearing proceeded as planned. Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2025 Continue filling in your contact, shipping, and payment information to proceed. Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 17 Mar. 2025 The parade will proceed south on Charles Street and east on Pratt Street to the disband area along Market Place. Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 15 Mar. 2025 Cherry Cricket would later seek to have the license transferred to it if the company proceeds with the purchase. Thomas Gounley, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
Verb
  • This was a manual process, done by our sound team and Respeecher in post-production.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 23 Mar. 2025
  • In the intervening years, questions swirled around the 24-year-old's killing — and so did speculation.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The younger Reza grew increasingly involved in the family business as Alexandre’s illness progressed and took it over in 2020, moving operations to New York City.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2025
  • As the film progresses and the soundproof, indestructible walls of the vehicle close in tighter, the look and feel of the film intensifies and continues to build as Hopkins’ William becomes increasingly psychotic, using the programmed vehicle to, basically, torture its captive.
    Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • If that snood suddenly shortens, your gobbler has gone from relaxed to alert, and the jig might be up.
    Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 21 Mar. 2025
  • That game was just the start of an epic back-and-forth that’s seen the coaches meet in two Final Fours — and win one apiece; go head-to-head in the NBA and Conference USA; and later share a state when Pitino led Louisville and Calipari helmed Kentucky.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • On Sunday, Reed and activists will march from the City of St. Jude Church to the steps of the State Capitol, retracing the historic route marchers took in 1965.
    Axios, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
  • According to Guinness, dog owners at the record-breaking parade participated in a variety of activities, including dressing in traditional clothing, waving dog banners, and singing with a marching band The march reportedly began in a large parking lot.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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