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
In the eastern sector Chinese troops crossed the McMahon Line and advanced toward the North East Frontier Agency (now Arunachal Pradesh state) and parts of Assam state. Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026 Meanwhile, adversaries are advancing while defenders remain a step behind. Kumar Ritesh, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Noun
Will capitalism really generate advances in technology that will save us from catastrophe? Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 But that post-earnings advance in the spring has now evaporated. Zev Fima, CNBC, 23 July 2026
Adjective
Davidson College applied mathematician Tim Chartier ran 1,000 simulations of Paraguay's finishing with four points, and in just one instance did La Albirroja not advance. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 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
  • And the host is surprisingly game to poke fun at his own prickly Hollywood reputation, lending the entire hour-long episode a kind of comedy synergy that elevates it above the usual collection of reference jokes.
    Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026
  • It’s based around a sunny yellow gradient look that lends in pink throughout the branding and synthetic overlays.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Rohlfing has also pledged to strengthen core county services, including public safety, infrastructure and public works, while promoting a more business-friendly environment to attract and retain employers.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • Padel clubs are increasingly promoting it as more than a sport, offering spaces where people can work, eat and socialize alongside the courts.
    Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said the investment shows the project is progressing.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026
  • Union leaders asked their members to prepare for a strike authorization vote if negotiations on pay did not progress.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Wide Brim Hats Hats are the other heroes of eye protection—and can elevate your style at the same time.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 22 July 2026
  • Sticking with our Porsche analogy, that elevates the Emira perilously close to 911 territory.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • And Bobby also suggested an appetizer featuring his favorite cut of male raccoon roadkill.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 July 2026
  • In court Friday, prosecutors introduced messages from late 2024 and early 2025 that suggested increasing strain in the relationship.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Onlookers watched the storm surge at the Lake Pontchartrain estuary, with kids splashing in the floodwaters as Bertha approached the Louisiana Coast.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • Add $1–2 billion of rework, downtime or schedule slippage and the exposure approaches $1–3 billion.
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • Ogwumike also reflected on how this advancement furthers the league’s development.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • While additional forces could be impacting the group Monday, including AI advancements in China , the WSJ story is capturing a lot of attention.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • Sure, the three looked better as the season went on but opposing offenses still continued to attack, something that will surely happen again if there’s no improvement.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • The committee’s recommendations also included devoting approximately 67% of the bond money toward maintenance, with the rest going toward student programs and technology improvements.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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