advance 1 of 3

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
Tallen Edwards gave them a runner with a single to right field, then advanced to second base on a passed ball. Ethan Westerman, Arkansas Online, 17 May 2025 Both Herbst sisters easily advanced, with Morgan running the fastest 300 hurdle race in 40.96 and Makenna posting an easy 2:10.56 in the 800. Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
Noun
Plan to nurse or bottle-feed during take-off and landing to ease ear pain from the change in cabin pressure, and, if accessible, book the bassinet in advance. Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2025 The offensive, aimed at capturing new territories, comes as Ukraine faces mounting manpower shortages and increasing reliance on drones to stall Russian advances. Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Adjective
Such actions must be approved by DOJ leadership and journalists must get advance notice of them. Ryan Lucas, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025 If Becket’s rule were implemented, in other words, every public school would have to provide advance notice to any parent about any lesson that might offend that parent’s religious views. Ian Millhiser, Vox, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Cushy sock liners lend themselves to straight from the box comfort which is a must-have in any good travel shoe.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025
  • Tuite, who has been on the air for WILI-AM in Willimantic for 43 years and had just the right approach at the courtside mic, will continue to lend his voice for other UConn events.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Plus, hair loss treatments do so much more than promote hair growth, which usually takes a couple of months to see.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 13 May 2025
  • Hamburg have only just been promoted after seven years away.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • As the film progresses and Joel descends into a darker world of exploitation and cruelty, Cruise gradually chips away at his innocence to reveal a sober, world-weary demeanor.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
  • Due to the shortage of hospital beds, the individuals are often stuck in legal limbo in which their cases can’t progress until they get treated.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Another benefit is that a mix of vintage pieces, textures, and splurge items elevates the affordable, mass-market items in your home.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
  • For the Cowboys, who have one of the most physical offensive lines in the league, chock-full of first-round picks, his effort as a run blocker has to be elevated.
    Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Pagnol did suggest this idea, to put a tariff on American cinema.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
  • But others who are familiar with what the program does — and doesn’t do — suggest such claims are exaggerated or false.
    Christopher O’Donnell, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Soon after a deputy approached the boys and was able to get the gun, according to the sheriff's office.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • The settlement included over 4,000 Google employees in California and New York, with plaintiffs making the case that Google kept Black employees in lower-level jobs, paid them less, lowered their performance ratings and prevented Black employees from advancement.
    Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Among the brand’s recent advancements in activewear, the StudioSmooth collection launched in February with leggings, bras, tops, a skort, biker shorts, athletic dresss and full zips.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • While his selfless running is valuable, a return of five Premier League goals and six assists from 34 league appearances so far suggests there is room for improvement in Szoboszlai’s attacking output — something Slot called out early on.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • In years past, life expectancy for people who lived to age 18 showed little improvement.
    Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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