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
Playing some of the most assured tennis of his career, Brandon Nakashima slowed Rafael Jódar’s roll Wednesday at the Canadian Open in Montreal, beating the red-hot teenager 7-6(3), 6-4 to advance to the biggest final of his career. Ava Wallace, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 Red Sox starter Patrick Sandoval fielded right fielder Nathan Lukes’ sacrifice bunt for the out at first base, but Giménez and Straw advanced. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
The company plans to use the new capital to expand manufacturing, support its go-to-market efforts, build a large-scale demonstrator and advance research and development. Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026 Super Micro last traded 6% higher, adding to its 19% advance from Wednesday. Michelle Fox, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Stevens-Rumann said that’s where the advance strategic positioning of resources comes in. Susan Montoya Bryan, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • An early champion of such ’50s and ’60s musical styles as soul, girl groups and what was starting to become known as garage rock, Marsh would later lend his considerable support to punk rock.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The top is a thick slab of sandblasted acrylic that lends the surface a serene luminosity.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Perhaps Patrick Dorgu should stay on the left, but given United would be expected to have much more of the ball against promoted Hull next Saturday, Matheus Cunha would likely get in there for his attacking flair.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Wrangler and Lee owner Kontoor Brands has promoted Joseph Alkire to president and chief financial officer.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The drilling pilot project was progressing but then came a new dispute with the government over a permit—or lack thereof—to recently move drilling equipment to the region.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • While there will always be clamour and excitement over new signings, the feeling across a club when a youngster can progress through the ranks and become a player that identifies with the thousands that watch him in the stadium is unquantifiable.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • His time in Congress runs counter to voters elevating fresher voices this year.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Such attention and admiration will only elevate to new, unseen levels following a night when Madjo broke out into the wider footballing public.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Only Faal, currently out on loan at Port Vale of League Two, among Wrexham’s six deadline-day signings in the past three summer windows can be said not to have worked out, suggesting patience is usually rewarded at this time of year.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • After the notice of rescission was sent, Teefey allegedly contacted Bespoke’s representatives suggesting that investors should not file a suit claiming the company had an escrow account to return the investments, this week’s lawsuit says.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Compared to Bromley, Fleetwood are approaching elder-statesmen status as members of the EFL.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Howell stormed out of the bodega following an argument with the victim, only to return half an hour later wearing different clothes and immediately approach Askew.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Having captured global attention with its dancing and kung-fu fighting androids, China’s Unitree has become the poster child of the country’s robotic advancement.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Research has shown that women with obesity earn about 6% less than thinner women for identical work and that people in larger bodies may also face discriminatory termination and negative stereotypes that can hinder hiring and career advancement.
    Brittney McNamara, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The latest figures mark a slight improvement from the previous week, when traffic was just 4% of pre-war levels, according to the UKMTO.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Hotels show what this looks like in an industry few people associate with AI, because every improvement there shows up in a nightly rate, a labor hour, a guest review or an owner’s cash flow.
    Roman Pedan, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on advance

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster