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
  • Shout out to our friends at TMZ who did the most insightful original reporting.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024
  • Local health officials are working to reach everyone who may have had contact with the infected individual, and they are expected to do so in this case, said Preston Merchant, a spokesman for the San Mateo County health department.
    Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Building off this focus on technique, a good strength training program for youth should progress from simple movements to more complex movements and lighter weights to heavier weights, taking into consideration that not all youth will adapt at the same rate.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2024
  • As the season progresses, he is projected to be among the league leaders in sacks by the end of the year.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 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
  • On Thursday, dozens of city staffers and first responders marched through the muck.
    Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • And Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Wes Gordon and Karlie Kloss marched with about 1,000 industry executives from Herald Square to Bryant Park on the first day of New York Fashion Week in September to push voter registration, with a surprise appearance by First Lady Jill Biden.
    Evan Clark, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near proceed

Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on proceed

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