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 that order, the Trump administration proceeded with deportation flights to El Salvador, contending that the planes had departed before Boasberg’s order was finalized. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025 The program, called International Remote Baggage Screening, will allow passengers arriving in the U.S. and connecting to domestic flights to proceed straight from passport control to the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 Similarly, current year estimated tax payments should proceed as normal, as well as processing of quarterly payroll tax filings. —Cindy McGhee, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court granted the Trump administration's emergency request while legal challenges proceeded. —Sean O'Driscoll, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proceed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proceed
  1. do
  2. progress
  3. go
  4. march
Verb
  • They’re more geared toward controlling it, with uniform requirements that do more to hinder progress than protect the marketplace.
    — Mary Anna Mancuso, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The lowest actual tally to do so in that same period was 59, which has happened on four occasions, and the highest has been 70, in 2013-14 and 2016-17.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of do
Verb
  • This approval is a significant step forward and should open the doorway to a therapy that has clear clinical advantages for the patient with mCRPC who has progressed on one ARPI and has not received chemotherapy.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Engaging stakeholders transparently about DEI strategies and progress fosters trust and demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusivity.
    — Jason Wingard, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of progress
Verb
  • For over five decades, owner Bill Huth kept the track going.
    — Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The couple went public with their relationship in June of 2016.
    — Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of go
Verb
  • Students stood in front of the Martin Luther King Jr. King Hall and marched their way across campus, shouting protest chants in the quad nearby the law school.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Part One, when she was glimpsed marching down the yellow brick road with the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion.
    — Jack Smart, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of march

Phrases Containing proceed

Browse Nearby Words

procedures
proceed
proceed (along)
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Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proceed. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of proceed for Spanish Speakers

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