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
The Senate health committee did not vote on whether to advance Overton to the Senate floor before departing earlier this month, leaving the decision for the lame duck session. — David Lim, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Her skill helped create a sequence filled with horror and pathos and was key to building the characters of Odysseus and Eurylochus, and advancing the story. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
Consumer advocates say the Video Privacy Protection Act of 1988 was broadly written to adapt to inevitable advances in technology and safeguard consumers' personal information. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 Small devices have made remarkable advances in speaker technology, and the original HomePod's ability to project sound around a room was most impressive. — New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
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 The two groups ratified their union contracts in July, which offered wage increases, access to union health care and the institution of career development committees aimed at helping early-career workers advance. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Today’s recipe Many meatballs are made with a panade, often a mixture of white bread soaked in milk, which lends moisture to the final meatballs.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • For a look fit for fashion month or the boardroom, take a cue from this showgoer and finish with a crisp white button-up, a drawstring leather pouch, and sculptural jewels that lend an edge to the otherwise classic ensemble.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Both those historic actions happened as part of the Biden administration's focus on anti-money laundering and efforts to promote compliance with the then-emerging virtual currency industry.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
  • One of Mitte’s last posts on Instagram this week promoted those showings.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Detecting adenocarcinomas early can help keep them from progressing to advanced disease.
    — Alice Park, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Sepesi said one of the biggest challenges with lung cancer is that symptoms often do not appear until the disease has progressed.
    — Tori Mason, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Where a sneaker or flat might’ve kept the outfit in the casual realm, the trendy pump silhouette elevated the ensemble a notch.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The agency will also hike the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax, elevating the taxable income limit from $184,500 to $192,300.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Data from the Israel Defense Forces as of May 2025 suggested a Palestinian civilian death rate of 83%.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • O’Rourke and double bassist Johan Berthling shape a steady drone, while Ishibashi’s piano runs suggest time-lapse footage of ice crystals forming, ordinary little bits cohering into objects of wonder.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • With the presidential elections approaching next April, political parties are scrambling to position themselves in relation to a protest movement that has shown no sign of abating.
    — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • As seen from Planet 2, Planet 1 will appear to approach on the inside lane, slow down, move to the outside lane and then fall away once again.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There's reason to believe research on Jonathan and other animals could lead to advancements for people, Austad said.
    — KYLE MELNICK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • This advancement could help scientists investigate how electrons respond to intense light and, eventually, explore ways to control them during chemical reactions.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Long overdue improvements to the debt restructuring process remain crucially important for the handful of countries that need debt stock reduction.
    — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Officials have completed road improvements along the detour route and will deploy traffic control officers at 18 key intersections during the bridge’s full closure.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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