proceed

verb

pro·​ceed prō-ˈsēd How to pronounce proceed (audio)
prə-
proceeded; proceeding; proceeds
Synonyms of proceed

intransitive verb

1
: to come forth from a source : issue
strange sounds proceeded from the room
2
a
: to continue after a pause or interruption
b
: to go on in an orderly regulated way
3
a
: to begin and carry on an action, process, or movement
b
: to be in the process of being accomplished
the work is proceeding well
4
: to move along a course : advance

Synonyms of proceed

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spring, arise, rise, originate, derive, flow, issue, emanate, proceed, stem mean to come up or out of something into existence.

spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

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

originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

Examples of proceed in a Sentence

Tenet's problem is that the intelligence and the war proceeded in lockstep: no intelligence, no war. —Thomas Powers, New York Review of Books, 19 July 2007
But we're both gasping, and proceed to play the ugliest, slowest game in history. —S. L. Price, Sports Illustrated, 31 Dec. 2007
That ash includes light particles that strong winds proceed to carry over much of the country … —Jared M. Diamond, Collapse, 2005
After the interruption, she proceeded with her presentation. “Before we proceed further, does anyone have any questions?” We will proceed according to plan. We may not be able to proceed as planned. The problems have been fixed and the work can now proceed. All passengers must proceed to the baggage claim area. The crowd proceeded toward the exits. The troops proceeded north along the river.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
It could be added to a budget trailer bill or amended into an existing bill, depending on how legislative leaders choose to proceed. — Chaewon Chung updated August 26, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Program discontinued while lawsuit proceeds Hanaway withdrew her motion for preliminary injunction, which sought to suspend the program while the lawsuit was pending, after the city ended the program. — Jack Harvel august 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 Husted signed a bipartisan letter earlier this year urging the administration to proceed carefully while renegotiating a trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. — Bill Barrow, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 Ryan Fitzgerald, who won the job last year and proceeded to have a clutch, consistent and special rookie season, will be the starter Week 1. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proceed

Word History

Etymology

Middle English proceden, from Anglo-French proceder, from Latin procedere, from pro- forward + cedere to go — more at pro-

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proceed was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing proceed

Rhymes for proceed

See All Rhymes for proceed

Browse Nearby Words

procedure mask
proceed
proceed against
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proceed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proceed. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

proceed

verb
pro·​ceed prō-ˈsēd How to pronounce proceed (audio)
prə-
1
: to come from a source
2
a
: to continue after a pause or interruption
b
: to go or act by an orderly method
3
a
: to carry on an action, process, or movement
b
: to be in the process of being done
the work is proceeding well
4
: to go forward or onward : advance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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