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
Morocco, a semifinalist four years ago, advanced with a 3-0 win over Canada that ran its unbeaten streak to 34 games. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 His campaign ended after Mayor Karen Bass and Councilwoman Nithya Raman, both Democrats, advanced to the general election. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2026
Noun
The proposal comes just months after Kansas City moved forward with plans for another new Dillons store in the Northland off Northeast Shoal Creek Parkway and North Oak Trafficway in March, and as both Olathe and Lee’s Summit advance store plans. Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026 Unlike Williams, the plaintiffs in Lavan had not received advance notice of the sweeps. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
Adjective
The Museum of Miami highly recommends obtaining advance tickets to the Freedom Plane National Tour. Halle Vazquez, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026 The teams that best apply it, advance. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Its lacy layers, flutter sleeves, and antique white color also lend it enough charisma to play the leading role in a fairy tale.
    Irene Richardson, InStyle, 11 July 2026
  • Plus, its elevated location lends an air of seclusion and delivers panoramic views of Pollonia.
    Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Instead of promoting their efforts, Republican lawmakers were left scrambling when the president abruptly withdrew his support over a separate political fight.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • The British Museum move, meanwhile, is a public happening organized as part of a citywide art trail to promote a world tour around BTS’s latest album.
    Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • The robots removed gallbladders in pigs, a significant step before the experiments progress to human trials.
    Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • Quote of the day Kylian Mbappé was busy easing injury fears after France progressed into the semifinals yesterday.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Morocco are already Africa’s history makers, but one more win would elevate them beyond the continental lens they’ve been viewed through up until now.
    Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • Here, two interior design experts share their go-to tricks for elevating your bathroom without overspending.
    Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • Preliminary evidence suggests the man shot the woman before turning the gun on himself, the spokesperson said.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • The state sought records and responses to questions about the company’s lobbying of the White House and the Department of Justice, suggesting that the DOJ had improperly approved the merger in June.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • The Forest Service began increasingly approaching the tribe for help.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Messi and the team also celebrated by hugging one another and approaching fans in the stands, waving and cheering with them.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • Brent Stubbs, the facility’s chief administrative officer, compared the advanced tech to construction equipment, washing machines and other advancements that revolutionized human labor.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • That’s a big improvement from the initial June 11 to June 20 period when the measure fell on eight of ten days.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
  • Muse Spark is chasing what Anthropic and OpenAI are already doing for developers accustomed to agentic coding tools, and Muse Spark doesn’t show major improvements in coding over its competitors’ models, according to benchmarks.
    Jake Angelo, semafor.com, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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