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
Program advances from concept to flight testing Operating the aircraft from multiple locations was another key objective, requiring crews to adapt to changing conditions similar to those expected in contested environments. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026 Christian Vázquez flared a one-out single to shallow right, advancing Allen to third. Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Noun
The Rocket Classic and next week's Wyndham Championship are the last two tournaments left before the top 70 advances to the FedEx Cup postseason. ABC News, 30 July 2026 The latest advances in their floating screen tech have suddenly been revealed by being nominated for a major industry award for emerging technology. New Atlas, 30 July 2026
Adjective
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 As of mid-March, advance hotel reservations for New York’s World Cup weeks were tracking 2% below bookings for those same dates in 2025—a year with no special events at all. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Copycat protests sprang up in other major Indian cities—Kolkata, Mumbai and Patna—lending the Gen Z protests the aura of a nationwide youth resistance that would humble Modi and force his education minister to resign.
    Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Those at the top are less able to lend the type of support required.
    Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Veterinary experts share tips on how to care for the items that come into contact with our furry companions to promote good health and stave off odors.
    Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2026
  • It is commonly used in sports medicine, regenerative medicine and wellness settings with the goal of promoting the healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • His attorney Mark Wykoff told the judge at his sentencing in January that the cancer had progressed to Stage 4 and spread to his liver and lungs.
    Jerry Nowicki, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Research from Gartner indicates that agentic AI will increasingly participate in enterprise decisions, while IBM research highlights that executive confidence in AI adoption is progressing faster than confidence in governance readiness.
    Krupesh Bhat, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Your sleeping position is also important; for example, for those who can manage it, sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated is a excellent for your skin, and helps prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes.
    Laura Sandroni, Vogue, 29 July 2026
  • This luggage customization kit includes two comfort handle grips, six zipper pullers, a carry pouch, and an ID tag, all designed to elevate your current suitcase.
    Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Organizers suggest that attendees who drive to the event park underneath the Highway 50 overpass at Eighth Street and W Street, where there will be a free shuttle available to take guests straight to the church.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Former Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness suggested that Wasserman Schultz should have run in the 22nd Congressional District.
    Joan Murray, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • With the rise of modern conservatism in the ’70s and ’80s, Main said influential figures on the right began to approach politics as war.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • In 2006, an associate of Leto’s approached a 17-year-old backstage at a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert and took her phone number for the musician, then 34.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • Under such an approach, negotiations would focus first on halting the production and advancement of nuclear weapons, rather than demanding the dismantlement of North Korea's existing arsenal at the outset.
    Se Eun Gong, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Despite Japan’s technological advancements, China continues to maintain a considerable advantage in fleet size and shipbuilding capacity.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • OpenAI says improvements in system efficiency made the reductions possible.
    Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Denver's defense was one of the best in the league last season, but there's always room for improvement.
    Alex Wilcox, CBS News, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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