PROGRESSION Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

progression

noun

prə-ˈgre-shən

Definition of progression

as in sequence

a series of things linked together a progression of events that ended in utter disaster for the arctic explorers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in progress

forward movement in time or place our progression was slow but steady

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in evolution

the act or process of going from the simple or basic to the complex or advanced that civilization's gradual progression from simple bartering to a complex economy and monetary system

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 progression Look at repeat engagement, content depth, role coverage, sales acceptance and pipeline progression. — David Steifman, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026 As for the cabin configuration, it’s been reenvisioned to showcase Bentley’s stylistic progression. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026 However, human studies have not demonstrated that nicotine can prevent dementia, slow Alzheimer’s disease progression, preserve long-term cognitive function or improve outcomes in Parkinson’s disease. — Hasmeena Kathuria, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026 The serial numbers on those documents appeared to align with the sequence of the Blast files, forming a consistent chronological progression. — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for progression

Recent Examples of Synonyms for progression

Noun

The sequence in which a half dozen planes battle Ghidorah in the air is grand, eye-popping filmmaking.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026
Falcon 9’s first stage can instead turn around and land while its second stage continues carrying a payload toward orbit; NASA documented exactly that sequence during SpaceX’s first successful orbital-class booster landing in 2015.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of sequence

Noun

That threat is precisely why many of our friends and former colleagues in Washington have recently proposed sweeping measures meant to slow China’s biotech progress.

— Patrick McHenry, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026
Progress in talks will be a main focus for markets, as regional mediators push for ceasefire negotiations, said Mahmoud Mashal, senior market analyst of VT Markets Dubai, adding that any meaningful progress could drive crude lower.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of progress

Noun

The chain began as a pioneer of a certain kind of all-American restaurant.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Some of the builders were delighted by the strange setup — the sleeping alcoves for him and Lakofski, the balustrade inspired by the chain link of a nearby playground (and, maybe, a little Frank Gehry).

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of chain

Noun

Months later, a report found the state hadn't complied with its own lethal injection process since its revision in 2018, resulting in executions being conducted without proper testing of the drugs.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
Kretzschmar and his lawyers, however, argued in state court in Tompkins County that the process was fundamentally unfair, including because he was found responsible for an offense that was not listed in his initial set of administrative charges.

— Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of process

Noun

Benedict said the process would ideally take a couple of years, with much of the development time spent on design work and virtual simulations before the physical construction began.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
By coordinating manufacturing, research, and clinical development with partners like Japan, South Korea, Europe, and India, America can build a more secure but still economically viable alternative to Chinese developers.

— Patrick McHenry, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of development

Noun

Separated into two areas, the first is the mellow bar (for pre and post-spa cocktails, mocktails, and detox juices) and four quirky pink manicure pods that look like disjointed train carriages.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
Everyone else just had to hop on the train or a domestic flight, but Alex is in Australia … trying to survive in this economy.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of train

Noun

And politicians began debating whether legislation is needed to rein in an industry that is racing against China and expected to drive enormous profits and technological advancements.

— Brittany Shammas, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Some analysts warn of a pathway called recursive self-improvement, in which AI becomes increasingly effective at training itself, eliciting a cycle of rapid advancement.

— Max Zahn, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of advancement

Browse Nearby Words

progressing

progression

progressions

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Style

“Progression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/progression. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of progression

noun

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