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

Examples 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
Ahead of the election, from which President-elect Trump and Republicans emerged with a trifecta, fear around foreign influence was at an all-time high, especially as artificial intelligence has advanced. The Hill Staff, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024 But lots of other players had entered the game—smaller and seemingly less powerful states that sought to advance their own interests by cultivating political factions or armed groups inside such countries. David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
Prior generations of elders might have died instead of living longer through medical treatments, but advances in medical technology are extending the portion of our lives spent in frailty. Steve Vernon, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 Strong inflation data would also throw a wrench in the recent stock advance. Sarah Min, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
The look was military, judicial, stabilizing, powerful: an advance vision of the commander in chief. Nathan Heller, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2024 Today’s groups are... Yellow group — inspired Green group — procure in advance Blue group — bit of party decoration Purple group — online personality What Are Today’s Connections Answers? Spoiler alert! Kris Holt, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for advance 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • The notes of high-toned bright fruit—think sour cherry, balsamic and black tea flavors—lend it a lovely sweet-savory profile.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Now, by the way, sitting next to her for 14 years doesn’t exactly lend to good mental health or physical health.
    As Told To Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The administration's last-minute federal rules and regulations have been in the works for months to promote components of Biden's agenda ‒ such as combatting climate change, reducing fees for consumers and lowering drug prices.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Finding and tracking a big, healthy bear is a positive sign for the Black Bear Program and efforts to promote the recovery of the bear population in Mississippi.
    Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Highlighting such differences is critical as the industry progresses toward an equitable ecosystem.
    Eron Kelly, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • To the other characters, time seems to be progressing normally, but each time the clock strikes midnight, the day spins backwards and wipes the slate—and their memories—clean.
    Rhian Sasseen, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Foster’s talent for creating memorable and heartwarming experiences elevated the event from a traditional charity gala to a celebration honoring those with type 1 diabetes and the heroes that support them.
    Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 15 Dec. 2024
  • The setting, period details, and off-the-charts chemistry between Lenz and Polaha elevates A Biltmore Christmas — filmed at the real Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. — to nothing short of magical.
    Janey Tracey, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Now, the study that suggested its use in COVID is retracted.
    Beth Greenfield, Fortune Well, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Many scholars have pointed to evidence that suggests both the CIA and the mafia were involved in the assassination.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The main iPhone line has been updated annually, but the iPhone SE still ships with a chip approaching three years old.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Emily approaches each day with a positive attitude and strives to truly learn and understand the content that she is exposed to.
    Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
  • In an environment of rapid technological advancement and evolving trade policies, semiconductor capital equipment companies are positioned to thrive.
    John Buckingham, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This aligns with a growth mindset, which emphasizes focusing on impactful tasks that drive improvement.
    Anthony A. Luna, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • To be sure, after losing Illinois by 17 percentage points in both 2016 and 2020, Trump’s loss to Harris by 11 percentage points was a marked improvement — on a percentage basis.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 16 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near advance

Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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