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 Then, last week, a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump's order and allowed a class-action suit on behalf of children and parents impacted by Trump’s order to proceed. —Time, 14 July 2025 Residents filed the lawsuit a day before Detroit's Historic District Commission voted to proceed with a revised version of the project, which includes using cast iron manhole covers instead of steam vent stacks. —Dana Afana, Freep.com, 12 July 2025 The Harley-Davidson Homecoming concerts at Veterans Park July 12 are proceeding as planned after the concerts July 11 were called off around 6 p.m. due to approaching storms. —Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 12 July 2025 The bill advances to the full House Appropriations Committee and, if approved, will proceed to the House floor for debate and a vote. —Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for proceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
  1. do
  2. progress
  3. go
  4. march
Verb
  • The Great Lakes freighter sank — one of the largest on Lake Superior ever to do so — during a violent November storm in 1975 while carrying Minnesota ore.
    — Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • When the nests are done, males entice females to join them.
    — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
Definition of do
Verb
  • The country had turned against Argentine manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino and there was little hope that the CONCACAF giants would progress from Group C that featured Poland, Argentina and Saudi Arabia.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 23 July 2025
  • From there, Glenn climbed the ladder, progressing from assistant defensive backs coach for the Browns to defensive backs coach for the Saints, to Lions’ defensive coordinator in 2021.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 23 July 2025
Definition of progress
Verb
  • New Hampshire law even goes a step further to prohibit deepfakes of any kind that cause reputational harm, including deepfakes of political candidates.
    — Angela Eichhorst, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
  • The money will go toward TEL U.S.'s technical training and research and development (R&D) facility in Southeast Austin.
    — Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 2025
Definition of go
Verb
  • In videos from the scene, police officers are seen restraining people on the ground and making arrests as dozens of people march across the bridge from Cincinnati.
    — Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
  • The friend who spoke to CNN said relatives later told him the captives were marched 200 meters to Tishreen Square, where they were lined up and executed.
    — Sarah Dewberry, CNN Money, 22 July 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 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of proceed for Spanish Speakers

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