advance 1 of 3

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
The Veterans Health Administration is funded through advance appropriations, meaning much of its work continues even if annual funding lapses. Nik Popli, Time, 25 Sep. 2025 The roommate doesn't appear to have any advance knowledge of the shooting. Brittney Melton, NPR, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
The Mariners were eight outs away from advancing to their first World Series in franchise history, but George Springer's three-run home run sent the Toronto crowd into a frenzy, and the Blue Jays into their first Fall Classic since 1993. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025 The House advanced a different approach earlier this year. Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Damon quickly began to make advances. Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025 Traditional taxis are still available, but ride-hailing services are more convenient and easier to book, either in real-time or in advance. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • His colleague, Professor Robert Reich, also appeared during the news conference, lending his star power to the effort.
    Kate Wolffe October 24, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Even if some players on the team haven’t made it to the top of the mountain just yet, there are teammates who can lend a bit of perspective.
    Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this year, a New York judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Nicklaus Companies against Nicklaus that attempted to prevent the golfer from using his name, image and likeness to promote his golf course design business.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • After decades of ignoring advances in data and analytics and mainly promoting from within, the Rockies seem intent on hiring an outsider to be their new head of baseball operations, after dismissing general manager Bill Schmidt at the start of October.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Indeed, this cooling might temporarily offset the progressing climate change — but a new study claims this type of intervention is likely to have several more unwanted side effects than previously thought.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • This will be a major storyline to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While there have been many fine adaptations of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Alastair Sim's performance as the miserly, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge elevates this version to must-see status.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Oct. 2025
  • There’s that kind of intensity and fuel that has fanned the fire of Mirador in someways that’s really elevated the band and the performances.
    Gary Graff, Billboard, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Critics have also raised concerns about the use of private donors, suggesting there could be a conflict of interest at play.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 25 Oct. 2025
  • To suggest that another candidate’s supporters are criminals — particularly when that candidate is, by all measures, poised to win at least a plurality of votes in the city — does not seem like a recipe for earning New Yorkers’ support.
    New York Times, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • So one day last winter, as a new MLS season began, Higginbotham’s wife, Nicole, approached him with an idea.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Upcoming comets to view This celestial calendar includes significant comets that will approach Earth through the rest of 2025 and into early 2026 and can be seen with binoculars or a telescope.
    James Powel, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Achieving quick, consistent self-assembly in solution without evaporation has remained a significant difficulty, despite advancements in block copolymer templating, metal alkoxide chemistry, and nanomaterials.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The designers also wanted to pay homage to the technology that makes an advancement like this possible.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That improvement has continued this season, with Barcelona adding more layers to their set-piece threat.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • If approved, the program would measure improvements by comparing passenger count data to fare collection data, according to the release.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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