ADVANCE Synonyms: 384 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

advance 1 of 3

verb

əd-ˈvan(t)s

Definition of advance next

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

as in to promote

to help the growth or development of great thinkers who did much to advance modern science

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as in to progress

to move forward along a course as the technology advances, electronic devices keep getting smaller and smarter

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as in to elevate

to move higher in rank or position within six months was advanced to the position of head waiter, to the dismay of the waiters who had been there much longer

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as in to suggest

to set before the mind for consideration let me explain my reasons for advancing this proposal

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as in to approach

to move closer to advanced cautiously toward the snarling dog

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

advance

2 of 3

noun

as in progress

forward movement in time or place during her long convalescence, the housebound woman was barely aware of the advance of the seasons

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as in improvement

an instance of notable progress in the development of knowledge, technology, or skill under her new teacher, the aspiring violinist has made noticeable advances in her technique in just a few weeks

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advance

3 of 3

adjective

as in early

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 first four games in the 68-team field advance four winners into the main 64-team bracket. —

Tom Murphy, arkansasonline.com, 11 Feb. 2025 The single advances to the summit in its 27th week on the list, the seventh-longest wait in the chart’s history. —

Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2025

Noun

That’s why most Super Bowl marketers start devising their plans months in advance. —

Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025 Purchases must be made 21 days in advance and for travel between March 3 through May 21, 2025. —

Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2025

Adjective

Around 30 states also require advance registration before Election Day. —

Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Attendance is free with advance registration; register at dia.org. —

Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for advance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance

Verb

Peg Leg Porker uses a proprietary dry rub on their pork that imbues it with salt and spice, and the hickory wood used for smoking lends a flavor dynamic that’s a signature of Tennessee BBQ.

— Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025
Both parents and pupils are asked to lend their cooperation to the end that school work can be accomplished properly so that standards will not suffer greatly.

— Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Definition of lend

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Style

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

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Last Updated: 22 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of advance

verb

noun

adjective

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