PROCEED Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

proceed

verb

prō-ˈsēd

Definition of proceed next

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 Hype cycles like this create unbridled optimism, and a healthy dose of FOMO, but investors should proceed with caution. —

Javier Paz, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2025 Is the Fed United or Divided in Its Approach to Cuts? Fed officials remain divided on how to proceed. —

Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 Cases in Massachusetts, Hawaii, Connecticut, Vermont and other jurisdictions are proceeding. —

Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 27 Jan. 2025 Swan found her in the van and proceeded to fire several shots, killing her, officials said. —

Paloma Chavez, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for proceed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed

Verb

Skin scents simply don’t challenge me the way more complex creations do.

— Kara Nesvig, Allure, 4 Feb. 2025
Twenty-five percent of adults experiencing homelessness also struggle with a severe mental illness, but so do 20% of all Americans.

— Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2025