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
Though another fox clan ultimately adopts him, their care feels like only a temporary reprieve from advancing human nihilism. Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 Stacy Lake won the Democratic primary for Jackson County executive Tuesday night, beating out five challengers to advance to the November general election, according to unofficial results from the Kansas City and Jackson County election boards. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
Washington The top two vote-getters regardless of party advance to the general election in Washington. Abc News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 They are designed to hold the developer accountable as the project advances, create substantial construction demand for skilled trades workers and support long-term careers in engineering, cybersecurity and advanced technology operations. Ron Kitchens, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Stevens-Rumann said that’s where the advance strategic positioning of resources comes in. Susan Montoya Bryan, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 But Tuesday’s incident sparked speculation that Totenberg, who has been well-sourced at the court for decades, might have had some advance knowledge that Alito was about to retire. Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Personal affordability depends on your income, debt, lifestyle, and financial goals, not just lending formulas.
    Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026
  • If prices jump via higher inflation, then the theory is for the Fed to increase interest rates, which are seen as a baseline for many types of lending beyond interbank activity.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Bringing ‘Marge’ home In 2020, Wisconsin’s National Guard and Papua New Guinea entered into a military agreement though the State Partnership Program, which promotes cooperation through military exchanges.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Trump most frequently mentions grass while promoting his Washington beautification efforts.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The detail everyone avoids could be the one that unlocks progress.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
  • If ash borer problems progress and treating trees is no longer an option, the best solution is to have affected trees removed.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In an effort to help elevate Thoroughbred racing among the everyday sports fan, Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association will launch a three-year-old championship series consisting of six races beginning in 2027.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Boxwood shrubs are a great option for pristine hedges and natural privacy screens, elevating your landscaping with their bright green foliage and clean appearance.
    Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The study doesn’t prove that mentally stimulating activities protect the brain, but the findings fit with a growing body of research suggesting that cognitive engagement helps reduce the risk of dementia.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • But the downsides of the banking surge go beyond the predictably punishing schedule and the unexpected career limitations (some estimates suggest that only 10% of analysts end up working outside financial services).
    Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • According to the arrest report, the incident happened about a half-mile off Fisher Island after Simpson's vessel approached another boat at a high rate of speed.
    Sergio Candido, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • During his freshman year of high school, Butker’s tuba-playing partner, the varsity kicker, approached Butker, originally a soccer player, during symphonic band class about taking on the kicking duties for the football team the next year.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Yet there’s been growing backlash over the technology’s rapid advancement and its influence on everything from jobs to cybersecurity, mental health, the economy and local communities.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • This convergence will redefine industries, national security, scientific advancement, and day-to-day living.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Those weren’t the only aviation improvements to make headlines recently.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Martin noted the improvements would also enable the bridge to carry heavy-axle, modern freight cars weighing 286,000 when fully loaded; that has been a standard in the industry for several decades.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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