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
With yesterday's move to new all-time highs, JPM may be entering another one of those longer-term advancing phases. Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 15 July 2026 Johnson, of Louisiana, applauded Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, and others on the panel for moving swiftly to advance the resolution and unlock what would be Republicans’ third reconciliation bill this Congress. Kevin Freking, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Noun
Progress has been frustratingly slow, but now a potential breakthrough result is pointing the way toward more rapid advances—and a clearer view of the still-hazy transition between randomness and structure. Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 15 July 2026 Barbault’s Basket is known to bring rebellion, technological advances, and institutional changes. Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 15 July 2026
Adjective
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 The Museum of Miami highly recommends obtaining advance tickets to the Freedom Plane National Tour. Halle Vazquez, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • But signs of El Niño are starting to show up in other global-scale atmospheric wind and weather patterns, including the Walker Circulation, according to Lowry, which lends more credence to the idea that El Niño has its finger on the scales.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Harrison has lent her campaign operation a total of $292,000 of her own money, reports show.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • The woman was given a warning but later promoted, according to the lawsuit.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • The Mediterranean diet, on the other hand, is much less restrictive and actually promotes the consumption of red wine in moderation.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • The threat is expected to shift west out of the area as the day progresses.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • As the 1990s progressed, the Boston blossomed into a fashion statement for a wider audience.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • His stature as the greatest ever keeps rising, elevating, growing.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • There’s just a better version lurking inside, one that could’ve elevated the action-chase genre instead of merely loitering there.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • The pastor didn’t suggest endorsing candidates, but instead focusing on issues, like advocating for immigration reform, and using religion as a tool for community organizing.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • In those early days, well-meaning friends and music-industry acquaintances would often suggest that @ find a new band name.
    Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • As his debut album approaches its one-year anniversary, Mason’s been feeling introspective about his career and the project.
    Naomi Jeffries, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • But despite the benefits of community advancement, much of the industry remains rooted in a transactional model, especially as project costs rise and budgets tighten.
    Jon Kramer, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Shoppers are likely not thinking about the genetic advancements made in the dairy industry.
    Isabelle LaBianco, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • Its economy is struggling, public services are strained and improvements in living standards have slowed to a crawl in recent decades.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • The second-highest improvement at the first four games held in Miami Gardens in revenue received was the night of the Colombia versus Portugal match (June 27), in what was likely the world’s last chance to see Cristiano Ronaldo play in a World Cup.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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