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
But his administration has also reduced federal resources for mental health and substance use services, cutting staffers last year at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and ending numerous grants to advance research on prevention efforts. Andrew Jones, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026 When the Legislature advanced its own congressional map during the last cycle, it was rejected. Dan Daley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
The canal offers options such as last-minute reservations and an auction mechanism for vessels that don’t book in advance. Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2026 There is always glee in Washington in advance of royal visits. Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
It was initially scheduled to begin public tours in February, and reportedly has sold many advance VIP tickets at $49 each. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026 By advance request, pieces not currently on display can be brought into the museum’s library for a more intimate viewing. Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • The sector has been roiled by concerns that artificial intelligence could disrupt legacy software businesses, an area where private credit lends heavily.
    USA Today, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • To that point, NIL deals should function like endorsement deals signed by pro athletes, who are paid to lend their name, image, likeness, signature, voice, nickname or myriad other identifying traits that are commercially valuable.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Yankees are expected to promote a reliever in his place on Monday.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The walk is open to anyone who wants to come together to promote lung health and help raise funds for research, advocacy and treatments.
    Marcella Baietto, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • An annual Impact Report that covers the full picture—from traceability and supply chain transparency to progress on materials, carbon and chemical management—is one way the brand provides a clear and verifiable view into its business.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Freshmen Brock Boyd and Jerquaden Guilford also have a chance to earn playing time as the season progresses.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In the evenings, Sankofa hosts film screenings and book talks to elevate the work of Black filmmakers and authors.
    Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Just coming in, being able to get a fresh start, being able to get around some great people and just being able to elevate at the end of the day.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • During closing arguments, Lynn Johnson, an attorney for Christine and Christopher Nolte, suggested the jury award $10 million for noneconomic damages and $5 million for economic damages.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Lithgow’s performance suggests without any softening of tone or characterization that Dahl’s deep well of feeling for the suffering of children is the source of his harsh condemnation of Israel’s actions in Lebanon.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan posted to X Thursday that some parts of the country are starting to approach new all-time records for gas prices.
    Neal Riley, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The human cost of finding and exploiting bugs may approach zero, but fixing them won’t.
    Evan Johnson, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But Gernsback's innovation of collecting previously-diffuse bits of literature ruminating on scientific discovery or technological advancement in one place proved to be an idea with staying power.
    Chris Klimek, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The case stands as a powerful example of how advancements in forensic science, particularly utilizing DNA and forensic genetic genealogy, continue to transform cold case investigations, delivering answers even decades after crimes occur.
    Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • They too have been linked to improvements in health — blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and overall heart health — all of which can also improve the brain.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Some analysts said margin pressures remain but expect improvement in the second half of 2026.
    Akriti Shah, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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