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
All five reached this stage last year when Belichick advanced in the process but the six-time Super Bowl champion head coach was not elected in his first year of eligibility. — ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026 The bill was referred to three House committees but never advanced to a floor vote. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
The film also led Cinequest’s rankings for converting advance audience interest into definite theatrical viewing intention among 55 titles distributed by members of independent distributors association Adicine. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026 This year's event brings together around 280 global financial leaders, including roughly 120 group chairs and CEOs, with the outlook for markets, the global economy and rapid advances in technology among the big themes. — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
While tickets are complimentary, advance registration is required. — Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Aug. 2026 By combining advance preparation with a timely course correction, the voyage transformed a looming weather threat into an unforgettable view of totality. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Chrinos told investigators that the truck belonged to his boss, who had lent it to him, the affidavit said.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Selena Gomez has previously experimented with a black velvet manicure, courtesy of her longtime nail artist Tom Bachik, lending the otherwise simple shade a soft, light-catching dimension.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Rather than campaign for Whatley, he's been promoting his new book criticizing fellow Republicans.
    — Colin Campbell, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The pastor successfully converted his personal popularity into votes by promoting unity — both among Kansans and between political parties.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • As the campaign progressed, Raman gave different answers about her timeline for replacing the police chief.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • As his Parkinson’s disease progressed (he was officially diagnosed in 1984), Williams became Ali’s primary caregiver.
    — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The victory denies Abbott a fourth term and elevates an Austin state representative who built her campaign around public education, household costs and criticism of the state's Republican leadership.
    — Blaise Gainey, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The election also elevates a number of state and gubernatorial candidates who made stricter regulation of data centers a key part of their campaigns.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The figures suggest that nearly four out of five candidates who began Hell Week were able to finish it.
    — James LaPorta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Unitree later suggested that the robot may have entered the competition without proper tuning, sparking online debate about humanoid robot endurance and their ability to operate in demanding real-world environments.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • With Black Friday approaching, iGarden is offering a substantial discount on its K70 AI Pool Cleaner, a cordless robotic cleaner designed to tackle pool floors, walls, waterlines and slopes with minimal intervention.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Statistical data shows that total expenditure for these midterms approached 12 billion dollars, with Musk contributing nearly 500 million dollars to the Republican party as the election cycle's single largest individual donor.
    — , CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Announced in September, Daimler Truck's newest safety advancements include Active Cross Traffic Assist, Active Sideguard Assist 3, and improvements to its Active Drive Assist system.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The successful demonstration represents more than an advancement in drone technology.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Conclusion Semiconductor progress depends on coordinated improvements across transistors, manufacturing processes, memory, connections, and power devices.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • That is modest by historic standards but an improvement over 2025, when monthly job creation averaged 9,700.
    — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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