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
The company’s first initiative was in New Haven five years ago, but that never advanced. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 23 Apr. 2025 Koretz tried to move a similar motion forward again in December 2022, but neither advanced to a full-council vote. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
In advance of ComplexCon Hong Kong, Complex launched a sell-out MLB x Takashi Murakami collab at the L.A. Dodgers x Chicago Cubs games in Tokyo. Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025 In advance of the big night, the Baltimore native talked with The Times about what audiences can expect. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Admission is $18 for non-members; space is limited, so advance registration is recommended. Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 30 Dec. 2024 Some programs, however, do require advance registration. Dianne Sikkenga, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Throughout her adolescence, her mother’s illness lent a sense of urgency to the family’s closeness.
    Katie Heaney, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The location could lend some fresh energy to the show, which tends to live in the shadow of WrestleMania and SummerSlam.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Infielder David Villar was promoted from Triple-A Sacramento to take his place.
    Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Aguilera, 22, enlisted in March 2023 and was promoted to lance corporal in May 2024, according to the Marine 1st Division.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As the disease progresses, your doctor may change or add additional medications to control symptoms.
    Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Viewers were able to see a visible change in the dog's demeanor as the video progressed.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Naomi has been elevated as a villain for the first time in nearly a decade while her tremendous heel work has also helped Cargill become one of WWE’s most popular stars.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • In February 2024, Gordon von Bretten, chief transformation officer, became a partner at Coty’s majority shareholder JAB and was elevated to the company’s board of directors as of April 1.
    Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Several economic indicators suggest a potential recession, including declining stock prices and weakening consumer sentiment.
    Russ Wiles, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Studies suggest that earplugs help improve sleep quality by blocking distracting, disruptive, or annoying noise around you.
    Laura Schober, Health, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After an hour spent watching her team practice in late fall 2024, Chiles approached Coach McDonald.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • In a recent video shared by the shelter, Shawn lit up as a volunteer approached his kennel.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, researchers have theorized that fusion could generate nearly limitless amounts of safe and clean energy on Earth, but the scientific advancements that could make this possible on a large scale are still decades away.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The announcement marks the first advancement toward a full agreement that was thrown into jeopardy by rounds of tense talks and Zelensky's disastrous White House visit in February.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That’s an improvement from June, when the rate of annual inspections conducted within 16 months was just 21.2%, according to the department’s testimony.
    Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Iowa ranked 72nd in scoring and 117th in total offense under new coordinator Tim Lester last season, an improvement over the previous two years when the Hawkeyes were at or near the bottom of the FBS rankings in both categories.
    John Bohnenkamp, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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