advance 1 of 3

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

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

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
Content oversight provided by Studio 1847 Market research has regularly advanced as organizations seek clearer alerts from tremendous online sources. Ascend Agency, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026 Travis Chestnut pinch-hit for Royo and laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
With California's open primary system, the top two vote-getters on June 2 advance to November's general election, regardless of party affiliation, setting up a potential, yet unlikely, doomsday scenario for Democrats if their party were split among several candidates. Austin Turner, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026 Instead, aim to book domestic flights one to three months in advance and international flights two to six months out for the best chance at a good fare. Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
This book is, then, the author's statement for the record as well — an advance apology to her friends in China, but most of all to her mother, who, in Chang's telling, has put her personal safety at risk to enable her daughter's career abroad. Emily Feng, NPR, 13 Jan. 2026 Under the order, warrants may be served only in courtrooms with the express, advance permission of the judge. Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • And over the years, Barbie has lent its role model status to stars closely entwined with pop culture, such as Kylie Minogue, Helen Mirren, Shania Twain and Viola Davis.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Waltz lends a slimy charisma to the merciless SS colonel, who gets a satisfying comeuppance via carving knife.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Iran’s strikes on Gulf cities are a blow to the region’s goal of promoting itself as a financial center that can be a haven of stability.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The style is often associated with socialist utopian ideas, which were regularly promoted by the buildings’ architects.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Austin's average daily temperatures also trend upward as the month progresses.
    Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 1 Mar. 2026
  • The fact that both are used to operating in congested areas to progress the ball gives them an edge over more traditional touchline wingers such as Garnacho and Gittens.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This faux leather midi skirt is elegant and can be elevated with a crisp white shirt or cashmere cardigan.
    Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Wise’s essential deployment of tension is absent without the compressed grain that elevates it.
    Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The figures would suggest some support among the US public for going after Iran’s nuclear program, though other polling suggests most Americans disapprove of the strikes and thought the administration should have given diplomacy more of a shot.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Republican voters demonstrated their willingness to embrace ultra-conservative candidates by bringing Attorney General Ken Paxton close to victory in the Senate primary despite his scandals and controversial history, suggesting the rightward trajectory of the GOP continues[1].
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Various countries, including the United States, have approached Ukraine for help in defending against the Iranian drones, Zelenskyy said late Wednesday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
  • As a police truck approached and threatened to interrupt the clean-up effort, Maria stood in the street and blocked the way, hands on her hips in a pose of defiance.
    Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Because of these advantages, amorphous metals have previously been used in specialized electrical components such as transformers, but applying them to automotive traction motors represents a more recent advancement.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Your innovative streak shines through small, steady improvements that stick.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
  • His improvement this year was a key factor in leading our team to a playoff berth.
    Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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