proceed
14 synonyms and 5 antonyms for proceed, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To move forward or continue on, especially after a pause.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use proceed
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French proceder, from Latin prōcēdō, "to go forward" — from prō ("forth") + cēdō ("to go").
Full origin of proceed →Frequently asked questions
What does “proceed” mean?
The word “proceed” means to move forward or continue on, especially after a pause. In plain terms, to carry on or move ahead with something, often after a stop or a decision.
How do you pronounce “proceed”?
“Proceed” is pronounced pruh-SEED (/pɹəˈsid/ in IPA).
How do you use “proceed” in a sentence?
Here is “proceed” used in a sentence: “Please proceed to gate 12 for boarding.”
What is another word for “proceed”?
Words with a similar meaning to “proceed” include progress, forthgo, carry on, continue, go on and keep on.
What is the opposite of “proceed”?
The opposite of “proceed” — its antonyms — are regress, recede, desist, end and stop.
What part of speech is “proceed”?
“Proceed” is a verb.
Where does the word “proceed” come from?
The word “proceed” comes from Latin. From Old French proceder, from Latin prōcēdō, "to go forward" — from prō ("forth") + cēdō ("to go").
Is “proceed” a common word?
“Proceed” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "proceed" and "precede"?
"Proceed" means to move forward or continue on, while "precede" means to come before something in time or order. They sound similar and are often confused, but an event that precedes another happens first, whereas to proceed is to go onward.
What is the difference between "proceed" and "proceeds"?
"Proceed" is a verb meaning to move forward or continue, while "proceeds" is a noun (stressed on the first syllable) meaning the money gained from a sale or event. For example, you proceed with a plan, but you donate the proceeds from a concert.
When should you use "proceed" instead of "continue"?
"Proceed" often suggests moving forward after a pause or a formal step, and it can sound more formal than "continue." "Continue" simply means to keep going without stopping, so "proceed to the next platform" implies an onward action, while "continue reading" implies not breaking off.
Is "proceed forward" redundant?
"Proceed forward" is generally considered redundant because "proceed" already means to move forward. In careful writing, "proceed" alone is preferred, although the fuller phrase is common in casual speech.