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 And yet construction appears to be proceeding apace. —Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026 That said, there are federal rules requiring banks to conduct a protection review before a levy proceeds. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 14 May 2026 Next steps Eatherly was not listed in online court records as of Thursday afternoon, but if the case proceeds as ones normally do in Montgomery County, he will be arraigned on Friday. —Travis Loller, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 Remember, all proceeds support various library programs for the community. —Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for proceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
  1. do
  2. progress
  3. go
  4. come
  5. march
Verb
  • The advantage that Republicans might hope to obtain by this November, could, hypothetically, grow even more if the Democrats did nothing before 2028.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • Isn’t that what a team captain would do?
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2026
Definition of do
Verb
  • As the novel progresses, the two tracks collide in unexpected ways.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • As the disease progresses, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, organ dysfunction and sometimes internal or external bleeding, the WHO said.
    — Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 18 May 2026
Definition of progress
Verb
  • The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Shania Twain, are airing live on Prime Video and Amazon Music from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, meaning some of the genre's biggest stars are going home with new accolades under their belts.
    — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
  • Matching the anything-goes vibe that flows through the resort, the breezy restaurant pavilion is merely a suggestion—ordering lunch or dinner to your private terrace, a candlelit table on the beach, or one of the dozen-or-so secret seating nooks scattered around the property is actively encouraged.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
Definition of go
Verb
  • And then all of a sudden, here comes Miranda Lambert in her little pink hat.
    — Caroline Killilea, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
  • The existing political infrastructure has no way of accommodating migration on the coming scale, which will evacuate departure economies, and overwhelm destination societies.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Definition of come
Verb
  • Tens of thousands are expected to march Saturday across Brussels, the institutional heart of the EU, as the city holds its 30th annual parade for LGBTQ+ rights and culture.
    — Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
  • Battered and shirtless, Andrades Jiménez was marched out of the building and separated from his family.
    — Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
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 21 May. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of proceed for Spanish Speakers

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