Definition of advancenext
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 two highest vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party, under California’s primary system. Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The committee advanced the proposal without a recommendation either way. Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
As the portrait advances, the three men move deeper into a Europe ravaged by wars and uprisings. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Keep in mind, the SBA will no longer refinance cash advances. Joseph Lustberg, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
The survey was, however, conducted before the release of June's advance economic indicators report, which showed a moderate contraction in the goods trade deficit and retail inventories unchanged. Lucia Mutikani, USA Today, 30 July 2026 Signatories say those models help expand innovation, improve cybersecurity and keep American AI development competitive as Chinese rivals rapidly advance. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Good Good was preparing to lend its name to a PGA Tour tournament this fall, a major coup for a digital upstart that had grown into one of the dominant forces in YouTube golf, with more than 2 million subscribers.
    Rick Maese, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The otherwise natural tones and all-white bedding make for an eye-catching atmosphere that still lends well to relaxation.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • When applied to the scalp, certain peptides can send signals that promote follicle function, extend the growth phase of the hair cycle, and strengthen the tissue surrounding the follicle.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Trump has also promoted the destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities and navy, and the reduction in missile and drone capabilities, as measures of success.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Lake County prosecutors filed to detain Fisher, and he was ordered to remain in jail as his case progresses through the court system.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Technical objectives and operational milestones are expected to be disclosed as the programs progress.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Sovereign debt loads are already elevated across much of the world, and refinancing maturing debt at higher rates will progressively increase interest costs and strain public finances.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Hot Docs, the world-class documentary film festival in Toronto, has announced some major personnel moves – elevating Diana Sanchez to president and bringing in Mara Gourd-Mercado to succeed Sanchez as executive director.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Offer a realistic time, suggest a softer plan, and let honesty keep the connection easy.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Some scholars suggest that the gods’ multiple heads and arms signify the dynamic nature of divine action.
    Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • While the weather forecast does not project any kind of heat wave this week, temperatures on the surface of the Open’s acrylic-on-asphalt hard courts can approach 120 degrees after hours of direct sunlight.
    Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Tropical Storm Edouard is expected to strengthen and could approach hurricane strength before making landfall.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • One specific area that is actively being explored is the potential of using bacteriophages, which are originally viral in nature, in conjunction with advancements in AI to help detect, track and destroy resistant bacteria forms.
    Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The advanced weapon features AV’s 20kW-class LOCUST LWS integrated on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platform–a significant advancement in mobile, frontline C-UAS capabilities.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Board members voted Tuesday to release a report detailing the investigation into Hill, including the process, lessons learned and recommended improvements, by the end of September.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
  • So your improvement is about four to five times bigger than what the average participant in our study gained.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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