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
This year’s Tributes also introduced a fourth category, the Ecoprod-Cartoon Tribute, honoring a European animation production company or initiative that has made a significant contribution to advancing sustainability in the sector. Kevin Giraud, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026 As Colorado grapples with one of the driest years on record, Aurora leaders are advancing a series of permanent water conservation measures. Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
Many tech leaders generally say their goal is to develop the technology in ways that promote safety, address legal liability, feed economic growth, advance science and preserve national security. Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026 Some have been questioned at Chinese border checkpoints about the purpose of their visits and asked to file advance applications before arrival, according to offshore wealth management firms serving mainland Chinese clients. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
The survey was, however, conducted before the release of June's advance economic indicators report, which showed a moderate contraction in the goods trade deficit and retail inventories unchanged. Lucia Mutikani, USA Today, 30 July 2026 Signatories say those models help expand innovation, improve cybersecurity and keep American AI development competitive as Chinese rivals rapidly advance. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Niacinamide lends an extra soothing boost, while the brand’s proprietary postbiotic, Aqua Posae Filiformis, supports the skin microbiome—important for keeping the barrier balanced.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Kids get to see Peppa proudly taking on the role of big sister, often wanting to lend a helping hand and finding ways to include Evie in her adventures with George.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In 2020, the Indian government cut the merchant discount rate, the fee incurred by merchants for accepting payments via UPI, to zero to promote digital transactions in the country.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
  • After decades of promoting the film, Wong’s short feature about her China trip was finally aired throughout the United States on ABC television on February 14, 1957.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • As the technology has progressed at a rapid clip, Congress has refrained from imposing rules or funding ways for people to successfully adjust to the potential changes from AI.
    STEVEN SLOAN, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Workforce development should progress alongside technology implementation.
    Nishkam Batta, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Tariffs may still be elevating some costs, such as appliances, which jumped in price last month.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFFFROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
  • And lawmakers from states newer to the early-primary lineup are already preparing to elevate what matters to their constituents, as they get wooed by presidential aspirants.
    Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But even in the darkest of moments, Housewives are Housewives, and Angie brings a sprinkle of levity by suggesting that Lisa is in perimenopause.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • More While Amodei has suggested an antitrust waiver for coordinating on capability slowdown, the proposal from Banks and Schiff is decidedly narrower.
    Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Sam Jochim, economist at EFG International, said rates could rise roughly once every three months as underlying inflation approaches 2%.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • An Associated Press reporter who approached the main building was told by a security guard that it was closed.
    MATTHEW DALY, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But new aircraft deliveries and technological advancements are changing that.
    Chris Dong, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Based on my experience with large-scale technology projects and complex enterprise settings, a disconnect is growing between the pace of technological advancement and the regularity of governance evaluations.
    Ramachander Rao Thallada, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • However, the announcement does not provide quantified figures for cost savings, production-time reductions or improvements in battery performance.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The city also approved an agreement last year for the developer to fund improvements on 40 parking spaces in existing lots.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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