advance 1 of 3

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

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

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
And the technology continues to advance. Ian Cohen, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026 Adults in Oklahoma would no longer be barred from receiving gender-affirming care by a bill that advanced to the Senate. Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
That is why Florida Republicans are taking the lead to make sure the state prospers as AI advances, instead of letting Silicon Valley write the rules. Brendan Steinhauser, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026 Best of all, it can be made in advance to save you time on Easter day. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
The finalists in Divisions 2 and 3 — Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Army-Navy and Ramona — also advance. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026 Ultimately, the total inability of any candidate to distinguish themselves thus far has led to a vacuum where any two candidates out of half a dozen could plausibly advance. Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Those notes of fragility lent weight to the question of whether Sal would live or die once the police closed in.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Despite the Reina Sofía’s many refusals to lend the work to various institutions around the world, its rebuff of the Guggenheim’s request carries a particular sting because the Basque Country has long held that the painting belongs in the place where the depicted tragedy occurred.
    News Desk, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As technology has evolved, car shows have also become a stage to debut and promote emerging forms of transportation.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Several of her Instagram posts also included hashtags promoting Swift’s album.
    Joe Kottke, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • As mission teams progress through the countdown, expect to hear SLS, which stands for Space Launch System, to indicate the rocket.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
  • There are two types of sleeping sickness, each named after the region of Africa where it was historically found; both progress through two distinct stages.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Acclaimed director, producer and screenwriter Spike Lee hit the red carpet carrying a handbag designed by Detroit native Runyaro Richardson, a moment that quickly elevated her brand on a global stage.
    Lauren Winfrey, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Does Herb Sendek have it in him to elevate the Broncos to the top consistently in a depleted conference?
    Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Michael Loria The president’s address comes as new polling suggests the war has become unpopular among Americans, most of whom want the United States to stop fighting soon.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Chronic cortisol elevation does change the face over time, and the biology behind the viral term is more real than most dismissals of it suggest.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Kevin MacEgan, the couple’s eldest son, said his parents were victimized in this manner because of the choices made by Abril — and by the CHP, to approach Abril in a park filled with children playing baseball and other visitors.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The strike was the latest on a health care facility in the Sudan war, which is approaching its third anniversary next month.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Plus, uncertainty – the biggest domino of them all – had the potential to recede as companies gained greater clarity on the economy, borrowing costs, tariffs and other federal policies, technological advancements, and geopolitical developments.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The recent increase in reports may also be linked to advancements in technology and widespread camera use, prompting the question of whether these tools are amplifying the apparent surge.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Kansas has not been a program built on turning over its roster every season but rather generating improvement from those already on it — and then trying to find ways to fill in the gaps when necessary.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
  • After the plan is shared, the Citizens Bond Advisory Committee will bring recommendations to the school board for a bond election for capital improvements.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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