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

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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 the excitement around this pill, some providers are still proceeding with caution. —Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 22 Apr. 2025 In one of the videos, obtained by CNN from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which runs the airport, Dali can be seen proceeding through the security checkpoint’s body scanner, and getting a pat down while wearing a tan shirt over a grey hoodie and jeans. —Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025 Her husband proceeded to crash her opening monologue. —Sydney Wingfield, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Two men — one running, the other riding an electric bicycle — proceed along a trail in the middle of a densely wooded park. —Tom Williams, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
  1. do
  2. progress
  3. go
  4. march
Verb
  • But another South Florida spot did: Itamae Ao, a Nikkei-style Peruvian-Japanese spot in Miami, earned its first Michelin star.
    — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Here’s hoping these two titans of the game meet one more time in the postseason before they’re done.
    — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of do
Verb
  • Viewers were able to see a visible change in the dog's demeanor as the video progressed.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • As the disease progresses, your doctor may change or add additional medications to control symptoms.
    — Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of progress
Verb
  • After the Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards poked the proverbial bear, Doncic turned his game up a notch, scoring 31 points to go with 12 rebounds and nine assists (on a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line) to give the Lakers a 94-85 victory in Game 2, evening the series.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Louisiana Louisiana’s law went into effect Jan. 1 requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, but the state hasn't issued guidance on what documentation residents need.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of go
Verb
  • The new trailer shows Smothers reading an excerpt from her book to a live audience when Nelson marches in.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Others involve new power lines marching through rural areas on enormous pylons — a prospect that riles up local residents against both the government and National Grid.
    — Stanley Reed, New York Times, 14 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 30 Apr. 2025.

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