advance 1 of 3

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

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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
Los Angeles County prosecutors have also advanced a special allegation over the use of a deadly weapon, a knife, in the crime. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 7 Jan. 2026 The chamber voted 214 to 212 on a procedural rule to advance the Energy and Water, Interior and Environment, and Commerce, Justice, and Science bills for a final vote on Thursday. Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
In 2026, the big advances may come from companies that can make the most of AI. Itzel Franco, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026 In her dissent, Justice Jackson argued that the court was giving candidates the ability to sue in advance of provable harm, despite the fact that most voters don't have that ability. Ashley Lopez, NPR, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
My position on humanoids in the home will evolve as the technologies powering them advance. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 29 Oct. 2025 Even the hardcover only got advance praise from Kirkus and PW. Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Chicago is always there to lend a helping hand.
    Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
  • This sheer volume of personal data lends Google’s chatbot a distinct advantage over other AI companies, few of which have as much information about their users.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Still, the district put full faith in its current coaches, promoting from within.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The series is part of the theater's efforts to promote accessible, affordable arts programs for the Aurora community.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • December 22 – January 19 When boundaries feel tight, kindness unlocks progress.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Capricorn December 22 – January 19 When boundaries feel tight, kindness unlocks progress.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Recently, researchers have made a major leap forward by engineering a novel cathode material that dramatically elevates performance, bringing us closer to practical, high-efficiency thermal energy systems.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
  • These ones elevate the trend — pun intended — with comfortable platform soles and double side stripe appliqués.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • That’s when a staff member at the Examiner suggested that authorities send the fingerprints using the newspaper’s new Soundphoto machine — an early version of a fax machine.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The team suggests potential applications in education and elder care, while emphasizing careful design to avoid misuse.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Six days afterward, a person in a truck that looked similar to the suspect’s vehicle fled, and successfully eluded police, when a BART officer approached, authorities said.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Footage of the incidents show agents swarming vehicles, smashing windows and trying to pry open car doors within seconds of approaching drivers.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • From initial hype to tangible industrial momentum, the 2025 China Apparel Industry AI Technology Application Summit emerged as a key battleground where fashion companies demonstrated their technological advancements.
    Li Jun, Footwear News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Several new advancement opportunities for students Seventh and eighth grade students now have the opportunity to earn high school credits.
    Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • There was scant improvement in 2018 when the Broncos finished 6-10, leading to Joseph’s termination.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
  • On an average, companies are seeing 25%-35% improvement across important key performance indicators as a direct impact of using AI, the report said.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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