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

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
The Associated Press projected on Tuesday evening that Kim would advance to the general election runoff in November, joining Calvert, who is leading the contest. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 10 June 2026 Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman maintained their leads in Tuesday’s latest vote count update, one day after the Associated Press projected the two Democrats would advance to a November runoff in the Los Angeles mayoral race. Teresa Liu, Daily News, 10 June 2026
Noun
Just know that in the winter, some restaurants and hotels close for the season, so be sure to research availability in advance. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026 The man in surveillance footage apparently placed an order in advance, likely doing so online or with the mobile app, the lawsuit said, adding that police did not request mobile ordering records or payment and account data from McDonald’s. ArsTechnica, 10 June 2026
Adjective
Fundraising strength and high-profile endorsements could determine which two hopefuls advance. Sacbee.com, 4 May 2026 The Lakers played the entire series without Doncic, but Reaves returned for the last two games to help them advance. ABC News, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Although not as wealthy as Jackson, Jones has also dug deep into his own pockets to keep his campaign afloat, lending it more than $16 million from his family’s fortune.
    Shannon McCaffrey, AJC.com, 10 June 2026
  • Also in part to serve the interests of those people who had lent money to the Union armies.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • The probiotics help support gut health by promoting a balanced microbiome, the community of microbes that live in your digestive tract and influence digestion, immunity, and mood.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 8 June 2026
  • For years, solid-state batteries have been promoted as the next major breakthrough in electric vehicles, promising greater safety, longer driving range, and faster charging.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • As the case progressed, McBride reached for a startling variety of arguments to discredit Hadley’s claims about the Tates.
    Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
  • Corfino has been working on the Fast & Furious coaster for about a decade as the project progressed from blue sky to green light.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • What truly sets it apart is the decadent foie gras aioli that adds a velvety, indulgent texture and a depth of flavor that elevates every bite.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
  • Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which degrades collagen and slows barrier recovery.
    Allison Palmer Updated June 13, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • As the mission suggests, this new press is nothing if not tenacious.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • This suggests that the act of concentrating mattered more than what students were concentrating on.
    Supreet Kaur, Scientific American, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • With the Fourth of July approaching, officials are urging pet owners to take extra precautions.
    Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Ukraine’s advancements in drone warfare and technology mean its military is inflicting far more casualties on Russia than earlier in the war.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • Surrounded by investment and innovation projects, the Mobile World Congress (MWC) kicks off today in Barcelona amid a context of euphoria but also tensions over artificial intelligence (AI), whose rapid advancement is shaking up the tech sector.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • The funding will also help pay for the replacement of a large drainage culvert near Sierra College Boulevard on English Colony Way at Clover Valley Creek, along with the construction of a new bridge and roadway improvements on Garden Bar Road at Doty Ravine.
    Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • If improvements are not made, officials were told, vessels calling on Haiti’s ports would need to adopt enhanced security protocols as outlined by the code.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

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