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 During my tenure in the Senate, the nuclear waste debate was front and center—dominated by Yucca Mountain and whether to proceed with construction and licensing, how to do so safely, and what to do in the meantime. —Bill Frist, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 After notice to proceed, construction is expected to last approximately four years, with project completion scheduled for spring 2029. —Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 The Novavax decision suggests the Trump administration may already have decided how to proceed in advance of that meeting. —Lauran Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025 What else to know as the Hockey Canada trial moves on: The case will now proceed as a judge-only trial, with Carroccia responsible for hearing evidence and coming to a verdict. —Sam Settleman, New York Times, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for proceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
  1. do
  2. progress
  3. go
  4. march
Verb
  • Those looking to secure a board now can do so for early bird rates.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 May 2025
  • The characters are too one-dimensional to care about — though we’re sporadically asked to do just that — yet at the same time their cartoonishness isn’t treated with enough gusto to actually be fun.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 May 2025
Definition of do
Verb
  • As the film progresses and Joel descends into a darker world of exploitation and cruelty, Cruise gradually chips away at his innocence to reveal a sober, world-weary demeanor.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
  • Use a granular slow-release at planting time, which should last for a month or more, then a water-soluble type in your watering can every week or so as the season progresses.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
Definition of progress
Verb
  • What went right, what went wrong, and what are the prospects for Elon's mammoth rocket meeting NASA's goals for a moon landing in 2027?
    — Space.com Staff, Space.com, 31 May 2025
  • Radamel Falcao has gone home to Colombia; playing for Millonarios in Bogota and perhaps most spectacularly Óscar Cardozo, who is now 42, has spent almost a decade back playing in his native Paraguay after a decade abroad.
    — Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Definition of go
Verb
  • For the Knicks, Karl Anthony-Towns will get into foul trouble in at least two of these games as the Pacers march to the NBA Finals.
    — Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
  • Defying opposition from within his ranks, House Speaker Mike Johnson insisted late Wednesday that Republicans would march ahead on their multitrillion-dollar tax breaks package after a lengthy meeting at the White House with GOP holdouts who are refusing to back the bill.
    — Joey Cappelletti, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 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 5 Jun. 2025.

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