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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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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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
Some oppose them but feel hamstrung or powerless to stop or slow their progress, as occurred in Ypsilanti Township and in nearby Saline Township as well. — Lauren Mullenbach, The Conversation, 1 July 2026 Now, with the federal and state government yanking back plenty of that funding and directly barring the city from enacting some of its more aggressive climate plans, Higgins is left with a narrow road to tread toward progress. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Verb
That includes seven in yesterday’s 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo to progress from the round of 32. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 2 July 2026 As the evening progressed, however, the noise died down, and the makeshift set at the base of the Statue of Liberty sprung into action, securing a performance without distractions. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 3 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
  • Experts cautioned borrowers to proceed as planned given that broader, sweeping student loan changes set to go into effect July 1 are still ongoing.
    — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Cities such as Thornton are also proceeding with its annual Red, White, and BOOM celebration.
    — Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of proceed
Noun
  • You’re surrounded on all sides by a progression of paintings moving from dark to light.
    — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease but some medications and immunotherapies are available that may help slow down the progression of the condition, manage symptoms and improve quality of life for patients.
    — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 1 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
  • As adult influencers dominate online fashion culture, and tweens and teens see the same content as adults, there are fewer spaces for young people to develop styles of their own.
    — Sophie Lou Wilson, Vogue, 2 July 2026
  • However, treatment given soon after exposure can prevent the infection from developing.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of progress for Spanish Speakers

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