What does "procession" mean?
The act of progressing or proceeding.
Procession
/pɹəˈsɛʃən/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of progressing or proceeding.
- Grammar: procession is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: progression, advance, advancement, caravan.
- Useful contrasts: chaos, disorder, randomness.
- Usage evidence: In Disneyland, popular characters in various stories march in procession at one o'clock.
How to use "procession"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "procession" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "procession" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "procession" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "procession" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "procession" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "progression" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "procession", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of progressing or proceeding.
"From whence it came to pass in the primitive times , that the Latin fathers taught expressly the procession of the Spirit from the Father and the Son"
- 2 the act of moving forward (as toward a goal) wordnet
- 3 A group of people or things moving along in an orderly, stately, or solemn manner; a train of persons advancing in order; a retinue.
"a procession of mourners"
- 4 the group action of a collection of people or animals or vehicles moving ahead in more or less regular formation wordnet
- 5 A number of things happening in sequence (in space or in time).
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 (theology) the origination of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost wordnet
- 7 Litanies said in procession and not kneeling. in-plural, obsolete
"In many a form I see thee oft In myriad manners are thy praises told In old processions carved on Grecian urns"
- 8 The rapid dismissal of a series of batsmen.
"Before he closed and opened his eyes, the bails on the wicket behind Johnny Masih were shattered. That was the beginning of a procession. The second ball clean bowled the batsman. The third ball was a catch for the wicketkeeper."
Verb
- 1 To take part in a procession. intransitive
- 2 To honour with a procession. dated, transitive
- 3 To ascertain, mark, and establish the boundary lines of (lands). US, transitive
"To procession the lands of such persons as desire it."
Antonyms
Example
"In Disneyland, popular characters in various stories march in procession at one o'clock."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "procession"?
Common synonyms include: progression, advance, advancement, caravan, caravans, cavalcade.
How do you use "procession" in a sentence?
In Disneyland, popular characters in various stories march in procession at one o'clock.
How do you pronounce "procession"?
Pronounced /pɹəˈsɛʃən/.
Etymology
From Middle English processioun, borrowed from Old French pourciession, from Latin prōcessiō (“a marching forward, an advance, in Late Latin a religious procession”), from prōcēdere, past participle prōcessus (“to move forward, advance, proceed”); see proceed.