advance 1 of 3

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
In Game 3, Texas won 6-5 to advance to the College World Series, striking first with a three-run second inning and surviving from there despite Clemson staging a late comeback attempt, with the Tigers plating two in the top of the seventh. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 Russian forces have advanced an average of roughly 14 square kilometers (5.4 square miles) per day so far this year, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in Washington. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Noun
Plan to nurse or bottle-feed during take-off and landing to ease ear pain from the change in cabin pressure, and, if accessible, book the bassinet in advance. Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2025 The offensive, aimed at capturing new territories, comes as Ukraine faces mounting manpower shortages and increasing reliance on drones to stall Russian advances. Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Adjective
Such actions must be approved by DOJ leadership and journalists must get advance notice of them. Ryan Lucas, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025 If Becket’s rule were implemented, in other words, every public school would have to provide advance notice to any parent about any lesson that might offend that parent’s religious views. Ian Millhiser, Vox, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Best Latex-Fill This pillow landed in our best-of Naturepedic roundup for its shredded latex fill and breathable cotton cover, as well as its peculiar shape that lends itself perfectly to pain-free sleep.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2025
  • The scheme allowed banks to quickly lend businesses up to £50,000 at low interest rates and with a 100% state guarantee.
    Robert Olsen, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Teens running social media accounts, promoting school events, or launching small ventures can immediately implement these strategies.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • To take Bregman’s place on the roster, the Red Sox promoted top infield prospect Marcelo Mayer, who started at third base and batted sixth in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • As the film progresses and Joel descends into a darker world of exploitation and cruelty, Cruise gradually chips away at his innocence to reveal a sober, world-weary demeanor.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
  • Due to the shortage of hospital beds, the individuals are often stuck in legal limbo in which their cases can’t progress until they get treated.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • There are even aromatherapy options available for purchase to elevate your shower experience.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 26 May 2025
  • The move is expected to elevate the importance of the State Department and Pentagon in advising Trump on important foreign policy decisions.
    Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The 4% rule prompts many financial planners to suggest Americans should aim to save $1 million for retirement.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 29 May 2025
  • Reports suggested that Daltrey was unhappy with Starkey’s playing on the night, and a number of songs were cut short.
    Thomas Smith, Billboard, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • As the wide-ranging conversation was approaching its end, Wood seized the opportunity to offer a long-overdue apology to Handler.
    Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 25 May 2025
  • When Arielle was once at a company event with Justin, someone approached her for an introduction to him, and couldn’t contain their excitement.
    David Hill, Rolling Stone, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • The settlement included over 4,000 Google employees in California and New York, with plaintiffs making the case that Google kept Black employees in lower-level jobs, paid them less, lowered their performance ratings and prevented Black employees from advancement.
    Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Among the brand’s recent advancements in activewear, the StudioSmooth collection launched in February with leggings, bras, tops, a skort, biker shorts, athletic dresss and full zips.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • This would mark an improvement over the year-ago quarter, when the company reported earnings of $1.27 per share on sales of $22.2 billion.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Senators from both parties were also upset with the House, after GOP leaders there refused to bring up a budget bill with funding for capital improvement projects across the state, including for a new mental health hospital in Kansas City.
    Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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