proceed
Americanverb (used without object)
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to move or go forward or onward, especially after stopping.
- Antonyms:
- recede
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to carry on or continue any action or process.
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to go on to do something.
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to continue one's discourse.
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Law.
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to begin and carry on a legal action.
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to take legal action (usually followed byagainst ).
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to be carried on, as an action or process.
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to go or come forth; issue (often followed byfrom ).
- Synonyms:
- emanate
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to arise, originate, or result (usually followed byfrom ).
noun
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proceeds,
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something that results or accrues.
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the total amount derived from a sale or other transaction.
The proceeds from the deal were divided equally among us.
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the profits or returns from a sale, investment, etc.
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Archaic. proceeds.
verb
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(often foll by to) to advance or carry on, esp after stopping
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(often foll by with) to undertake and continue (something or to do something)
he proceeded with his reading
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(often foll by against) to institute or carry on a legal action
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to emerge or originate; arise
evil proceeds from the heart
Related Words
See advance.
Other Word Forms
- proceeder noun
- reproceed verb (used without object)
Etymology
Origin of proceed
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English procede, from Latin prōcēdere; pro- 1, cede
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This preserves combinations of traits that are already beneficial, allowing evolution to proceed more efficiently.
From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026
Given that support was only just above the 15% threshold, it was decided at committee stage not to proceed with the new sign, and this was narrowly agreed by the full council.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
Big companies likewise are conflicted about how to proceed.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
Given those potential impacts, he is skeptical that the developers could lawfully be granted the necessary federal, state, and local approvals to proceed.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
With Myers back as the primary witness and Bill Hooks ready to say that he saw Walter's truck at the crime scene, the district attorney believed that he could proceed against McMillian.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
