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
Morning or afternoon workouts can help advance circadian rhythms, while evening exercise may delay them. — Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026 In tens of thousands of instances, the main EFTA number will advance by one but the other Bates numbers advance by two or more. — Daniel Ruetenik, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
Certainly, there have been scientific advances in fertility treatment, but overall women’s health research has been vastly underfunded. — Pooja Yerramilli, STAT, 28 Oct. 2026 Utilizing modern technology Still, the latest excavation gives researchers an opportunity to reexamine longstanding questions with advances in scientific dating methods. — Michele Chabin, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
While tickets are complimentary, advance registration is required. — Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Aug. 2026 By combining advance preparation with a timely course correction, the voyage transformed a looming weather threat into an unforgettable view of totality. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Lugo was happy to lend his talents, though the requests piled up.
    — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The same wood, as well as textured fabrics and leathers, can be found in other accents, lending the room an organic vibe.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The canals will act as stormwater infrastructure for the island while promoting recreational activity, according to that document.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Still, they are promoted for a range of medical uses, including insomnia, anxiety, inflammatory conditions and migraines.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Preparing for the holiday surge Dykes measures progress beyond margins and operating leverage, tracking whether priority customers account for a growing share of volume, operations become more productive, and service quality remains strong.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Among those with type 2 diabetes, 40% progressed from diabetes to prediabetes and another 40% no longer met the criteria for diabetes, according to the researcher.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Shop Mack Weldon's wool crew neck sweaters and Buck Mason's corduroy jackets for the fashion-forward guy, plus Vuori sweatpants to elevate his loungewear drawer.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Is McGraw destined to become the next Jesse Davis, or Nik Needham, the last two Dolphins players elevated from the practice squad to became multiseason starters for the franchise?
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The results suggest that manufacturers could shorten a costly production stage without sacrificing the battery performance measured during testing.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • But a staff report by the Development Review Committee noted that the building is significantly larger in mass and scale than its immediate surroundings and suggested design tweaks to reduce the massing effect.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Over time, the orbit of the pair can decay, the duo slowly approaching one another.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The likelihood of such a transition depends on how quickly an electron approaches the energy gap.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Announced in September, Daimler Truck's newest safety advancements include Active Cross Traffic Assist, Active Sideguard Assist 3, and improvements to its Active Drive Assist system.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The successful demonstration represents more than an advancement in drone technology.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There are absolutely areas that need improvement, but the numbers make for a persuasive story.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Slow, incremental progress Some researchers question whether grade inflation is driving graduation rates higher than academic improvements, University of Chicago Professor Elaine Allensworth said.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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