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
Forces may need to create passages through obstacles so that troops, vehicles and other equipment can continue advancing. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026 But there was an expectation that more philanthropists would step up to support the causes advanced by USAID. James Pollard, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
Earlier this year, Apple unveiled artificial intelligence advances, including upgrades to its Siri assistant, emphasizing a focus on privacy and day-to-day use as the company tries to catch up with rivals on AI. ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026 Cash believes the intelligence community made important advances over the past quarter-century, particularly in information sharing. Greg Myre, NPR, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
The survey was, however, conducted before the release of June's advance economic indicators report, which showed a moderate contraction in the goods trade deficit and retail inventories unchanged. Lucia Mutikani, USA Today, 30 July 2026 Signatories say those models help expand innovation, improve cybersecurity and keep American AI development competitive as Chinese rivals rapidly advance. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Their partners lend a degree of stability — and, increasingly, new sources of financing.
    Ben Croll, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Hobaiter and Dominy support this idea with half a dozen claims that could, in principle, be tested, lending some scientific credence to the idea that complex human speech was selected for in the warm glow of a crackling campfire.
    Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Such stories, along with the incredible resilience of populations harmed by colonialism, need to be told and understood to promote justice and healing.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • While promoting his new show Brothers, McConaughey managed to carve out some spon-con time for his tequila, Pantalones.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But in comparison with that movie’s central character, Arash grows less single-minded as his daylong journey progresses.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Melatonin remained substantially lower during the blue-light condition, whereas participants exposed to red light experienced a stronger increase in melatonin as the evening progressed.
    Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Andrew Perloff and Paul Pabst assess the threat level for the teams in the AFC East, discussing how much Geno Smith elevates the Jets and how the Patriots' schedule affects their ceiling.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Trump on Wednesday said energy prices that have been elevated due to the Iran war will not come down until after the midterm elections, which are due in November.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Records suggest many died of diseases like tuberculosis or influenza, but Schindler said those assertions merit skepticism.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Yet his Parma team-mates ranked lowly too, suggesting this was a tactical instruction.
    Aston Villa, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The ideal course for Bowman is a younger player approaching peak output.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Favata considers the approaching 25th anniversary as likely one of his last before retirement.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Even if new guardrails against AI model advancement are put in place, a temporary slowdown could allow the supply chain to catch up to demand.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
  • For that matter, that’s how most scientific advancements begin too.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The researchers have also seen improvements in measures of physical performance, such as balance, motor control and grip strength.
    Mirin Fader, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • All three universities received an F for students’ political tolerance of speakers having opposing views, but OU and Tulsa showed improvement in this area over the previous year.
    Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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