progress 1 of 2

noun

ˈprä-grəs How to pronounce progress (audio)
Definition of progressnext
1
as in process
forward movement in time or place we're making slow progress against this stiff headwind

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Relevance

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2
as in evolution
the act or process of going from the simple or basic to the complex or advanced the rapid progress of medical science in the last century

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progress

2 of 2

verb

prə-ˈgres How to pronounce progress (audio)
1
as in to grow
to become mature generally a species progresses from simple forms to more specialized forms

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2
as in to proceed
to move forward along a course our wedding plans are progressing nicely

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 progress
Noun
The Top State still lags in key categories Despite all its progress, Ohio still has considerable work to do. — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 9 July 2026 Such a static conception of the American past flew in the face of the romantic patriotism that Obama appealed to Americans with, one rooted in a history of inevitable progress rooted in incessant struggle. — Mark Brilliant, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
Verb
The production of this variant has progressed rapidly since its inception. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 Cooperating for the benefit of our families, our communities and our cities, states and nation is what’s kept us progressing as a society. — Jeffrey Anvari-Clark, The Conversation, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for progress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for progress
  1. process
  2. evolution
  3. grow
  4. proceed
  5. progression
  6. development
  7. develop
  8. do
Noun
  • For many steps in the process at Hyundai’s sprawling Georgia auto factory, vehicles take shape without a person in sight.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
  • But even by the standards of the state’s direct democracy process, the 2026 election stands out.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of process
Noun
  • James Wilson, a prominent attorney, best illustrates that evolution.
    — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • The drama will track Nibedita’s evolution from a young Irish educator into a champion of India’s cultural and spiritual awakening, set during a period of sweeping change in the country.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 July 2026
Definition of evolution
Verb
  • The iconic fast food company has grown beyond its California roots in recent years, opening locations in Colorado, Texas, Idaho, and as far east as Tennessee.
    — James Powel, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • And a growing body of research suggests that one of the simplest ways to help isn’t more space or more exercise.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
Definition of grow
Verb
  • Since Fiapoto’s arrest in April, things have proceeded at lightning speed for a murder case.
    — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 10 July 2026
  • Earlier this year, the judge also dismissed most of Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni while allowing her retaliation claims against Baldoni's public relations team to proceed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
Definition of proceed
Noun
  • FireSat can also measure metrics like fire perimeter, progression and intensity, according to Muon Space.
    — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Moving from mindset to skill set to tool set provides a clear progression for building AI readiness.
    — Nick Heddy, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of progression
Noun
  • Wang said that Silicon Valley has lost some of its appetite for founders who build hardware products, shunning the longer development cycles and less return upside, compared with AI applications, as well as inevitable supply chain hurdles.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 July 2026
  • Research and development accounts for an average of just 4% of European countries’ defense budgets, compared to 10% for the United States – which reaps significant economic multiplier effects from that military spending.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Definition of development
Verb
  • But Canada has plans to launch hundreds of new satellites to safeguard its national sovereignty, reducing reliance on Washington, and the European Union is developing its own network of 290 satellites.
    — Amy Gunia, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • To develop the system, Earth Fire Alliance conducted hundreds of interviews firefighters, incident commanders and scientists worldwide to identify gaps in existing fire data, Kapusta said.
    — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of develop
Verb
  • The divergence is over whether the worker shortage is improving slowly or still getting worse, and what the Supreme Court should do about it.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The band is forced into doing take after take in his quest to fully convey his own emotions.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of do

Browse Nearby Words

programs
progress
progressed
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Cite this Entry

“Progress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/progress. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of progress for Spanish Speakers

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