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
Additionally, the museum offers free admission to all visitors every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. with advance registration. Jasmine Desiree, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025 Free, advance registration required at z.umn.edu/52925. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 18 May 2025
Noun
Pauley advanced to third on two groundouts before Sanchez hit an inning-ending grounder back to Pallante. Miami Herald, 29 July 2025 Multiple technology revolutions — digital, AI, biotech, autonomous systems, quantum, precision agriculture — are advancing rapidly, transforming every sector of the economy and national security, and fueling the rise of new industries. Deborah Wince-Smith, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Adjective
Reforms like Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution and Zero-Base Budgeting demanded that all federal agencies and initiatives define outcomes in advance and justify expenses with quantifiable projections. Time, 30 July 2025 Note that his cheesecake can be made 2 days in advance. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • George needs to find more money, but no one is lending.
    Alice Burton, Vulture, 28 July 2025
  • All were dressed in white, as was the quartet of singers who lent their own sweet harmonizing to the proceedings.
    Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The organization aims to promote local music, art and live experiences that drive community, culture and tourism.
    Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • That means staying informed, promoting continuous learning, and guiding others through uncertainty with honesty.
    Kathy Caprino, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Read on for our picks in the Emmys' three biggest categories — and check back for updates as the race progresses between now and the end of final-round voting on Aug. 28.
    EW.com, EW.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Sometimes, taking two steps forward and one step back is the way to progress.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The podcast has already earned several accolades, and the Ohio native says there are big plans to elevate the show even further.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 26 July 2025
  • At a special meeting in Detroit, the SMART board also voted to elevate Tiffany Gunter, who had been the system’s deputy general manager and chief operating officer, to replace Ferrell.
    Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • On the other hand, vague explanations or rigid policies may suggest pay inequities, poor planning, or a top-down management structure.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • To address symptoms of a mold allergy, some research suggests that immunotherapy can help.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • Surveillance video appears to show a man in a white shirt — later identified by cops as Mora Nunez — get off the moped and approach them from behind, gun in hand.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 25 July 2025
  • The program, which was created with legislation that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed into law on August 14, 1935, is now approaching its 90th anniversary.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Institutions like Delaware State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Jackson State University and many others were born from this mandate, and have since become pillars of educational opportunity and community advancement.
    Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • This year’s federal funding cuts are severely impacting STEM research and education, threatening the future of innovation and our nation’s health and technological advancement.
    Lisa Eyler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Both organizations emphasized improvements made to welfare systems and reporting procedures since 2016, when Endemol merged with Shine, and again in 2020 when Banijay acquired Endemol Shine.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2025
  • Gale’s progressive social agenda gets wrapped in folksy, regionalist humor, as the Friendship Married Ladies Cemetery Improvement Sodality try to bring modern improvements to their village.
    Deborah Williams July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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