proceed

verb

prō-ˈsēd How to pronounce proceed (audio)
Definition of proceednext
as in to do
to move forward along a course you may proceed with your plan

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. do
  2. progress
  3. go
  4. march
Verb
  • No matter your best intentions, the fact remains that styles change, as do our tastes.
    — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
  • They’re more geared toward controlling it, with uniform requirements that do more to hinder progress than protect the marketplace.
    — Mary Anna Mancuso, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of do
Verb
  • This approval is a significant step forward and should open the doorway to a therapy that has clear clinical advantages for the patient with mCRPC who has progressed on one ARPI and has not received chemotherapy.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Engaging stakeholders transparently about DEI strategies and progress fosters trust and demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusivity.
    — Jason Wingard, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of progress
Verb
  • Fast forward two seasons when the Horned Frogs went 34-4, doubled their home attendance to 3,223 per game and hosted a NCAA Tournament game against Louisville in front of a sellout crowd at Schollmaier Arena.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Very rare does a small dog go into a fight with a big beaver and come out on top.
    — Marta Mieze, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of go
Verb
  • Amazon marches to the beat of their own drum, sometimes acting fast and sometimes taking hours to get a pre-order page up.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Part One, when she was glimpsed marching down the yellow brick road with the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion.
    — Jack Smart, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of march

Phrases Containing proceed

Browse Nearby Words

procedures
proceed
proceed (along)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on proceed

Nglish: Translation of proceed for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All