Synonyms of progress

progress 1 of 2

noun

ˈprä-grəs 

1

as in process

forward movement in time or place

we're making slow progress against this stiff headwind

Synonyms & Similar Words

• process
• progression
• advance
• advancement
• procession
• going
• headway
• march
• flow
• passage
• furtherance
• coming
• leap
• stream
• current
• approach
• onrush
• arrival
• drift
• way
• flux
• step
• advent
• momentum
• nearing
• stride
• jump
• impetus
• bound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regression
• retreat
• retrogression
• regress
• recession
• recess
• ebb
• return
• reflux
• reversal
• reverse
• retraction
• turnaround
• backwash
• turnabout
• about-face

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• evolution
• development
• progression
• growth
• expansion
• improvement
• advancement
• emergence
• elaboration
• betterment
• maturation
• enhancement
• flowering
• maturing
• refinement
• incubation
• ripening
• perfection
• augmentation
• metamorphosis
• evolvement
• blossoming
• supplementation
• flourishing
• addition

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regression
• retrogression
• regress
• reversion
• relapse
• lapse
• deterioration
• decline
• degradation
• falling
• decay
• degeneration
• descent
• weakening
• downfall
• devaluation
• backslide
• decadence
• degeneracy
• declination
• downgrade
• declension
• decaying
• ebbing

progress

2 of 2

verb

prə-ˈgres 

1

as in to grow

to become mature

generally a species progresses from simple forms to more specialized forms

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grow
• develop
• age
• mature
• grow up
• ripen
• flower
• evolve
• bloom
• flourish
• blossom
• soften
• get along
• mellow
• advance
• unfold
• gray
• get on
• open
• burgeon

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decline
• deteriorate
• decay
• worsen
• degenerate
• sink
• waste (away)
• dry
• fade
• weaken
• wane
• wilt
• regress
• revert
• wither
• return
• sag
• flag
• shrivel
• lapse
• droop
• retrogress
• backslide

2

as in to proceed

to move forward along a course

our wedding plans are progressing nicely

Synonyms & Similar Words

• proceed
• do
• march
• come
• go
• advance
• pace
• forge
• come along
• get along
• go along
• get on
• go off
• speed
• gain ground
• fare
• accelerate
• approach
• travel
• journey
• push
• repair
• drive
• near
• pass
• propel
• fast-forward
• take out
• run
• impel
• actuate
• wend

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• remain
• stop
• stay
• stand
• check
• hinder
• impede
• halt
• arrest
• block
• slow (down or up)
• stem
• obstruct
• retard
• delay
• hold back
• detain
• interrupt
• suppress
• hamper
• repress
• stall
• inhibit
• cease
• balk
• wait
• pause
• stunt
• nip
• regress
• cramp
• let up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of progress

Noun

Each of our strategic growth engines made significant progress this quarter, drawing a new generation of fans to the brand. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026

Bloomberg reported that the company could launch its roadshow as early as November 10th, and if progress proceeds smoothly, it is expected to price and debut on Nasdaq during the week of the 16th. — CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026

Verb

As the Maillard reaction progresses to the advanced stage, thermal breakdown of Strecker aldehydes and aminoketones results in the generation of free radicals and reactive carbonyl (carbon-oxygen-containing) species. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Nov. 2026

Barbier, who was 79 when he was arrested in Missouri in 2024, has not been held in custody as his case has progressed. — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026