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

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
That leadership advanced further with the Prairie Waters System, which came online in 2012 and placed Aurora at the forefront of advanced water treatment and potable reuse. Mike Coffman, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026 Italy advanced in just its second Olympic appearance, both as the host, after going 0-4 at the 2006 Turin Games and finishing last among the eight-team field. John Wawrow, Twin Cities, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
The cost per individual is $40 if booked in advance or $45 for walk-ups. Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026 Access is tight, often controlled by a single operator with packages typically purchased in advance. Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Pinto required many of the victims to make advance cash payments in order to receive the services, with several of the payments taking place at her and Martinez’ residence in Lake Elmo, the complaint states. Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 5 Nov. 2025 No, mostly there were advance screenings of pictures. Dan Reilly, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Though his World Series moment didn’t occur with the Red Sox, the experience could lend insight into his new organization, which spent 86 years racking up similarly stunning last-second heartbreaks and unanswerable what-ifs.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The décor lends an air of sophisticated swagger, but the vibe is all elegance, with a wine list of uncommon depth and originality, especially in a cocktail-loving city.
    USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Ramstead is a firefighter and paramedic who was hired by the Pasadena Fire Department in 2005 and promoted to the rank of captain in 2016.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • This will help maintain a manageable size for indoor growing and promote a bushier appearance.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But Hewitt said that confidence has grown as the season has progressed.
    Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026
  • As the game progressed and a snowstorm descended on Denver in the fourth quarter, the field became obscured by a blanket of white.
    Jason Corso, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As Audience Director at Hearst’s award-winning Austin American-Statesman, Robbie partners with editors and reporters to elevate local coverage and expand readership.
    Robbie Farias, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
  • These digital watches are a fun way to add a casual, cool aesthetic to your wrist and elevate any outfit.
    John Monaco, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The White House did not address whether Tuesday’s vote would lead to Trump relying more heavily on executive action — something the president himself seemed to suggest during his interview with Kudlow.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The ballot measure advanced on Tuesday suggests a temporary 2% increase to the city’s 14% transient occupancy tax — often called a bed or hotel tax — dropping to a permanent post-Games 1% increase starting in 2029.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As Farthing was assisting in traffic control, a man approached him from behind and stabbed him in the back, sheriff's office spokesperson Kim Peters said in a news release.
    Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Feb. 2026
  • And now, as the Super Bowl approaches, that pride is about to reach an even bigger stage.
    Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Fashion, philanthropy celebrated at March event A fundraising event set for March 4 will combine fashion with philanthropy as ticket holders compete for a chance to win name-brand purses and designer sunglasses while supporting the advancement of women in the area, according to a release.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • More recently, advancements in automation and artificial intelligence prompted a full rebuild of the platform, resulting in the current generation of Pet Parent.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The district would not be able to properly maintain buildings, update equipment or make other improvements without reallocating funds currently used for staff, a district spokesperson said.
    Kendrick Calfee February 11, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
  • While both groups showed improvements, the exercise group had lower scores on the Panic Agoraphobia Scale than the relaxation group after 12 weeks.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advance. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on advance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!