advance 1 of 3

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
The tour is free with advance registration, and does not require a homes tour ticket. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 To buy in advance call 858-748-7907 or email vfw7907events@gmail.com. Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025
Noun
The Texas Senate considered the map on Thursday, voting to advance it to a full vote in the afternoon. Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025 Her cuts to the military budget have also created discontent within the armed forces, generating instability that the kidnappers exploit to advance their plan. Time, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Since its inception, SpaceX has invested heavily in its technology and poured revenues into further advances. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2025 At the time, the DOJ filed a civil suit seeking to prevent Bolton from profiting from the book, which reportedly earned him a $2 million advance. Amanda Castro hannah Parry khaleda Rahman shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Yes, borrowers are lending to Uncle Sam and asking for a mere 4.3% per year over the next 10 years.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • With the end of the legislative session in sight, the push to pass social media and AI regulations is heating up in Sacramento, and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom is lending her star power to the effort.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to Wicked: For Good, which premieres on Nov. 21, the Oscar winner is also busy promoting Ne Zha II.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • On a societal level, bigger cars take up more public space, leaving less room for the livable, likeable city and promote urban sprawl.
    Mattias Goldmann, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But the American began to lose her serve as the set progressed.
    Lukas Weese, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
  • There’s been more and more to like out of 2025’s Mr. Irrelevant as the summer has progressed.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Using quality rum and real sugar elevates the experience.
    Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The opportunity is real, but execution risk is elevated as competition intensifies across core markets.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • One speaker there who expressed support for trans athletes in girls' sports suggested that McNabb's injury shouldn't be used to justify banning males from girls' volleyball, and that any female athlete who injures an opponent should also be banned in that case.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Oppenheimer analyst Jed Kelly suggested in a note last month that DraftKings and Flutter Entertainment were looking to become more proactive with prediction market offerings, complementing a rise in sports betting revenue in recent years.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Trump clapping as Putin approached, with a grin on his face.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Summer is coming to a close, Labor Day is approaching, and Superman is one of the biggest and best family films in theaters.
    Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In a market grappling with shrinking margins and mounting energy scrutiny, the launch underscores that the sector’s next significant advancements may be forged in the open.
    Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Seema gave thanks for the advancements made in gluten free baked goods, showing a strong willingness to adjust her expectations for pies and relationships in equal measure.
    Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In one example, adding basic ergonomic improvements in trauma call rooms led to measurable improvements in resident focus and well-being.
    Paula Ferrada, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Where most of us see a wonderfully unique and charming home with room for improvement, Petitti sees an archaic structure in desperate need of a refresh.
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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