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
Elijah advances to the general election in a central Florida district that is considered reliably Republican. Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 As firefighters began rescue operations, others launched an offensive fire attack, advancing two fire hoses into the house, Nolan said. Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
After the startling cancellation, vendors, artists and crew were out thousands of dollars in unpaid advances, after spending on rehearsing and traveling to the festival. Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Reactor testing advances Kaleidos is now undergoing full-scale testing at Idaho National Laboratory’s DOME facility. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
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 Stevens-Rumann said that’s where the advance strategic positioning of resources comes in. Susan Montoya Bryan, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • The statue of Washington, America’s first president, was lent by Harlan Crow, the White House said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Smoked, spiced maple syrup and vanilla bean dominate the midpalate before cinnamon builds and lends its own heat to the ethanol.
    David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Earlier this year, the diner rolled out the Fiesta Chicken Protein Bowl, promoting the dish's 52 grams of protein.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The key takeaway is that dietary protein and resistance training work together to promote muscle growth and maintain strength.
    Linda M. Boland, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Gestational hypertension can progress to preeclampsia, which, in severe cases, can lead to eclampsia, which involves seizures and can be life-threatening.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The status updates will show up in real time as the testing progresses, and the final reports, certificates, and structured test results will appear automatically.
    Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • While increasing volumes of the oil are finding routes out of the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, keeping energy prices elevated and pushing up global inflation.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Parker says to remove any jewelry from the affected limb, elevate it above the heart, and head to the emergency room.
    Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But the market’s impressive ability to at least partially work its way around the conflict has also prevented prices from surging as astronomically high as the world’s largest-ever oil supply shock would suggest.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Automotive News’ report is light on details about the model but suggests the variant will be based on the standard Bronco and could arrive by the end of the decade.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The pilots would not have been able to even see that airplane approaching them.
    Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Madrid had also approached him but the 30-year-old Spain captain preferred a move to the Camp Nou.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Havighorst, an executive director of institutional advancement at Prairie State College, was diagnosed with a form of CMT 2 1/2 years ago called heredity neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Nine of the 20 clubs will start the campaign with new managers, all on top of a flood of signings made in the annual pursuit of advancement.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Phase one will cover improvements to common areas as well as unit amenities, according to the bond documents.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Included in the recent makeover are improvements to the labor and delivery unit, the obstetric recovery area and ultrasound room.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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