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
Additionally, the museum offers free admission to all visitors every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. with advance registration. Jasmine Desiree, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025 Free, advance registration required at z.umn.edu/52925. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 18 May 2025
Noun
Pauley advanced to third on two groundouts before Sanchez hit an inning-ending grounder back to Pallante. Miami Herald, 29 July 2025 Multiple technology revolutions — digital, AI, biotech, autonomous systems, quantum, precision agriculture — are advancing rapidly, transforming every sector of the economy and national security, and fueling the rise of new industries. Deborah Wince-Smith, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Adjective
Reforms like Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution and Zero-Base Budgeting demanded that all federal agencies and initiatives define outcomes in advance and justify expenses with quantifiable projections. Time, 30 July 2025 Note that his cheesecake can be made 2 days in advance. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • George needs to find more money, but no one is lending.
    Alice Burton, Vulture, 28 July 2025
  • All were dressed in white, as was the quartet of singers who lent their own sweet harmonizing to the proceedings.
    Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The organization aims to promote local music, art and live experiences that drive community, culture and tourism.
    Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • His connections and insights are expected to play a significant role in promoting the adoption of Camb.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • From there, Glenn climbed the ladder, progressing from assistant defensive backs coach for the Browns to defensive backs coach for the Saints, to Lions’ defensive coordinator in 2021.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 23 July 2025
  • The country had turned against Argentine manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino and there was little hope that the CONCACAF giants would progress from Group C that featured Poland, Argentina and Saudi Arabia.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • At a special meeting in Detroit, the SMART board also voted to elevate Tiffany Gunter, who had been the system’s deputy general manager and chief operating officer, to replace Ferrell.
    Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
  • The podcast has already earned several accolades, and the Ohio native says there are big plans to elevate the show even further.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • On the other hand, vague explanations or rigid policies may suggest pay inequities, poor planning, or a top-down management structure.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • While Samsung has reportedly been working to get the latest version of its HBM chips certified by Nvidia, a report from a local outlet suggests these plans have been pushed back to at least September.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • Surveillance video appears to show a man in a white shirt — later identified by cops as Mora Nunez — get off the moped and approach them from behind, gun in hand.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 25 July 2025
  • The high-energy collision breaks and reconnects magnetic field lines, flinging solar wind particles across Earth's magnetosphere at speeds that can approach the speed of light.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • This clearly demonstrates both innovative leadership and potential vulnerability for future advancements.
    Russell Sarder, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Some Western governments have previously linked Iran's space program to ballistic missile advancement, and this latest test is expected to factor into ongoing diplomatic discussions, including those related to Iran's nuclear program.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Both organizations emphasized improvements made to welfare systems and reporting procedures since 2016, when Endemol merged with Shine, and again in 2020 when Banijay acquired Endemol Shine.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2025
  • Gale’s progressive social agenda gets wrapped in folksy, regionalist humor, as the Friendship Married Ladies Cemetery Improvement Sodality try to bring modern improvements to their village.
    Deborah Williams July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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