advance 1 of 3

Definition of advancenext
1
as in to lend
to give to another for temporary use with the understanding that it or a like thing will be returned advanced her some cash with the understanding that the amount would be deducted from her first paycheck

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
6
as in to approach
to move closer to advanced cautiously toward the snarling dog

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

advance

2 of 3

noun

1
2

advance

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb advance contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of advance are forward, further, and promote. While all these words mean "to help (someone or something) to move ahead," advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end.

advance the cause of peace

When is it sensible to use forward instead of advance?

While in some cases nearly identical to advance, forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead.

a wage increase would forward productivity

When would further be a good substitute for advance?

The synonyms further and advance are sometimes interchangeable, but further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance.

used the marriage to further his career

When can promote be used instead of advance?

The words promote and advance can be used in similar contexts, but promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank.

a campaign to promote better health

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 advance
Verb
Celebrations have begun for Team USA after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 The team edged out Ivory Coast on Tuesday, June 30, in Dallas, 2-1, to advance to the Round of 16. Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Noun
In the process, Moscow provided Tehran with the technical foundation to jumpstart its atomic advances – and a veneer of legitimacy for its persistent will to nuclear power. Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 At the same time, advances in synthetic leathers were increasingly becoming more attractive for shoe makers in terms of both performance and production cost. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 July 2026
Adjective
The teams that best apply it, advance. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 26 May 2026 The best thing policymakers can do is advance regulation that eases the burden of starting a new business. Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Like the West African mythological creature that lends the bar its name, the drinks at Anansi will, indeed, sneak up on you.
    Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Fireworks—plumes of smoke and pinwheeling streaks of sparks—were often deployed to amp up the atmospherics, lending his scenes the feel of a barn-burning bacchanal.
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Good Chop is dedicated to providing the finest cuts of meat while promoting sustainable practices.
    Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The company threw a lavish caviar party at Cannes and in May hosted panels promoting its cinematic tool at Amazon’s AI on the Lot event in Culver City.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • As the evening progressed, however, the noise died down, and the makeshift set at the base of the Statue of Liberty sprung into action, securing a performance without distractions.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026
  • Lack of magnesium can cause older leaves to yellow and progress to younger leaves, as well as interveinal chlorosis.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Toxic metals, including lead and arsenic, were not elevated, according to air district data.
    Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The black-eyed peas blended with garlic, tahini, and lemon makes for a smoky, zesty, and bright dish that elevates a standard hummus.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Bryan West The couple's nuptials reportedly will be a multi-day event; The New York Times suggested a smaller gathering of about 100 people will take place July 2, with a much bigger celebration on July 3.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The score might not suggest dominance, but Colombia controlled the game from the outset and held possession for nearly two-thirds of the match.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • With group play coming to a close and the Round of 32 approaching, the competition is heating up as teams look to punch their tickets to the knockout round in hopes of hoisting the FIFA World Cup Trophy at the final on Sunday, July 19.
    Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • Tracy had approached the team about a contract extension late in the 2005 season, a bold request considering the team’s record.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Brent Stubbs, the facility’s chief administrative officer, compared the advanced tech to construction equipment, washing machines and other advancements that revolutionized human labor.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Additionally, some home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Ace Hardware, have collection sites, relieving the pressure of trying to completely dispose of a flag at home.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • The results showed continuous improvement in math, English language arts, science, civics and history for Miami-Dade.
    Austin Horn July 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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