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

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

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
Oil stocks like Exxon Mobil and Chevron advanced nearly 3% and 1%, respectively, on reports that the Pentagon is nearing plans to deploy thousands of soldiers to the Middle East. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026 Under California law, the top two finishers in the June 2 open primary contest will advance to November's election, regardless of party. Joseph Ax, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
But big advances in mathematics inevitably require bold ideas. Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026 For now, Piñón said, the focus remains on the ship’s steady advance — and the uncertainty that lies ahead. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The finalists in Divisions 2 and 3 — Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Army-Navy and Ramona — also advance. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026 Ultimately, the total inability of any candidate to distinguish themselves thus far has led to a vacuum where any two candidates out of half a dozen could plausibly advance. Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Another notable difference was while filming the first film, fashion brands were initially hesitant to lend clothes.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Experiments and observations in laboratories, in our Solar System, and on galactic and cosmic scales all bear this out in great agreement with General Relativity’s predictions, lending further support to the theory.
    Big Think, Big Think, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, productions that promote the state’s narrative receive support and financial incentives like tax breaks.
    Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Pittsburgh drafted McCutchen in the first round in 2005 and promoted him in 2009 for his major league debut.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Then the novel progresses mostly chronologically following Hana’s life in the late 1990s, heading into the 2000s.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
  • However, the very fact that these reports feel too routine to cover is a testament to how far climate change has progressed, even just in the past decade.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • East of the red flag warning areas, where winds will be lighter in central and eastern Missouri, there are still elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions, according to the weather service.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Those stakes have been elevated the past week for the Heat and the response has been loss, loss, loss.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The investigation suggests corruption extends to the most senior ranks of South Africa’s establishment, but also demonstrates authorities’ willingness to do something about it after years of complacency, one of the journalists who uncovered the graft told the Financial Times.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 26 Mar. 2026
  • But the document suggests Florida agencies have been assigned more funding than those in any other state through the federal 287(g) program — a controversial initiative that deputizes local officers to carry out limited immigration enforcement duties.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Kevin MacEgan, the couple’s eldest son, said his parents were victimized in this manner because of the choices made by Abril — and by the CHP, to approach Abril in a park filled with children playing baseball and other visitors.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The strike was the latest on a health care facility in the Sudan war, which is approaching its third anniversary next month.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Offensively, advancements in overall team play, pace and screening have been at the forefront.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Although the biometric advancements started on the pitching side, there are tangible benefits for hitters too.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • As further improvements are made, platinum-free fuel cells could play a major role in building a cleaner and more affordable energy future.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Strong spring training from bats Spring training isn’t the ultimate prognosticator of success, but the Rangers’ improvement at the plate could be something that carries over into the regular season.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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