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 What's New Prosecutors can still proceed with the sentencing of Donald Trump for covering up his hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, though the timing remains unclear. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 There’s also the question of whether WBD will honor the promise to let DC Studios proceed without interference — a promise already undermined by the fact casting for Superman had to be approved through a committee of studio execs including Warner President and CEO David Zaslav. Mark Hughes, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 With absolutely no lead-up, Rodgers then proceeds to explain to others on the plane his system for figuring out the squares of numbers. Ky Henderson, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024 That is certainly the case in Connecticut, where more than 60% of the criminal cases that proceeded with jury selection between late 2023 and early 2024 involved either a Black or Hispanic defendant, according to state records. Renata Daou, Hartford Courant, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proceed 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
Verb
  • Artificial intelligence models do much more than generate (occasionally accurate) text responses and (somewhat) realistic videos.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Hall, Hamilton and Stumpf each appeared for their Wednesday arraignments in the Hamilton County Justice Center, but Stiles did not.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • To the other characters, time seems to be progressing normally, but each time the clock strikes midnight, the day spins backwards and wipes the slate—and their memories—clean.
    Rhian Sasseen, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Highlighting such differences is critical as the industry progresses toward an equitable ecosystem.
    Eron Kelly, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The cases, brought by 60 men and 60 women, span incidents going as far back as 1991.
    Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
  • Woman 'Wins Halloween' With Olympic Inspired Costume of Raygun By Shannon Power Pop Culture & Entertainment Reporter 0 An Olympian breakdancer who went viral during the recent summer games in Paris has settled a legal action with the producers of a musical about her, triggering online criticism.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Images The votes hadn’t yet been tallied, but the crowds marched past her restaurant carrying a coffin draped in the red, white, and blue colors of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
    Justice Baidoo, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Dec. 2024
  • The claim: Image shows protesters in South Korea marching toward presidential palace in December 2024 A Dec. 4 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) includes an aerial image that shows a mass of demonstrators in a city.
    Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near proceed

Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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