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 The 98th annual parade steps off at 8:30 a.m. on Manhattan's Upper West Side and proceeds along a 2 1/2-mile route toward Herald Square. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024 The 10 Best Melatonin Supplements, According to Dietitians How to Safely Use Melatonin Given the variability in melatonin dosage across products, experts advise parents to proceed cautiously. Hannah Singleton, Health, 20 Nov. 2024 This war started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants led an invasion into sovereign Israeli territory and proceeded to murder, rape, mutilate, vandalize, and commit other inhumane acts. John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024 The Europeans hope to persuade the incoming administration to proceed more cautiously on both fronts. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 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
  • What went into both of those, and what did Christopher Guest bring to it in his role as director?
    Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Thanksgiving guests are often aware of how much work goes into hosting, and don’t want to pile extra tasks onto their host’s to-do list.
    Virgie Tovar, Forbes, 23 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 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on proceed

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