ad·vance
əd-ˈvan(t)s 
advanced; advancing
1
: to accelerate the growth or progress of
advance a cause
2
: to bring or move forward
advance a pawn
3
: to raise to a higher rank
was advanced from clerk to assistant manager
4
archaic
: to lift up : raise
5
: to bring forward in time
especially
: to make earlier
advance the date of the meeting
6
: to bring forward for notice, consideration, or acceptance : propose
advance an idea
7
: to supply or furnish in expectation of repayment
advance a loan
8
: to raise in rate : increase
advance the rent
1
: to move forward : proceed
an advancing army
2
: to make progress : increase
advance in age
3
: to rise in rank, position, or importance
advance through the ranks
4
: to rise in rate or price
advancing wages
advancer
noun
1
: a moving forward
halted the enemy's advances
2
a
: progress in development
… mistaking material advance for spiritual enrichment.—
H. J. Laski
H. J. Laski
b
: a progressive step : improvement
an advance in medical technique
3
: a rise in price, value, or amount
The workers won wage advances.
4
: a first step or approach made (as to gain favor or form an acquaintance)
especially
: the act of speaking to someone in an effort to start a sexual relationship
—usually plural
She rejected his advances.
The report alleges that the supervisor repeatedly made unwanted/improper sexual advances towards subordinates.
5
: a provision of something (such as money or goods) before a return is received
I need an advance on my salary.
also
: the money or goods supplied
received a $100,000 advance on his new book
1
: made, sent, or furnished ahead of time
advance sales
2
: going or situated before
an advance party of soldiers
Examples of advance in a Sentence
Verb
The car advanced slowly down the street.
The sun slowly advanced across the sky.
She opened the door and advanced cautiously into the room.
advance the hands of a clock
The film is advanced by an electric motor.
The team advanced the ball steadily down the field.
Our understanding of this disease has advanced rapidly in recent years.
The team did not advance beyond the first round of the play-offs.
The company tries to keep up with advancing technology.
As he advanced in age and stature he advanced in knowledge.
Noun
trying to halt the enemy's advance
trying to halt the enemy's advances
a big advance in technology
The new system represents a considerable advance over the old one.
There have been few advances made in the treatment of this disease.
There has been little advance made in the treatment of this disease.
The workers won wage advances.
a yearlong advance in stock prices
Adjective
an advance copy of a new book
Recent Examples on the Web
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Millions more with Type 2 diabetes also take insulin as their disease advances.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 2 Nov. 2025
To make quiches in advance, see note in Step 5.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2025
Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 20 Oct. 2025
Even the hardcover only got advance praise from Kirkus and PW.
—Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for advance
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
The Power of Cinema Award honors an individual or organization whose actions through storytelling have advanced the significance and social relevance of film in today’s modern culture.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Millions more with Type 2 diabetes also take insulin as their disease advances.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
Cutforth did not start horribly, and his first full drive saw the Broncos advance to the Fresno 28-yard line, but Colton Boomer had a 45-yard field-goal attempt blocked.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 2 Nov. 2025
To make quiches in advance, see note in Step 5.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Due to a current school vacation period in France, advance tickets are required through November 2.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 20 Oct. 2025
Even the hardcover only got advance praise from Kirkus and PW.
—Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for advance
Cite this Entry
“Advance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advance. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
advance
1 of 3 verb
ad·vance
əd-ˈvan(t)s
advanced; advancing
1
: to move forward
advance a few yards
2
: to help the progress of
sacrifices that advance the cause of freedom
3
: to raise to a higher rank or position : promote
was advanced from clerk to assistant manager
4
: to give and expect to be paid back
advance a loan
5
: suggest sense 1, propose
advance a new plan
advancer
noun
advance
2 of 3 noun1
: a forward movement
2
: progress in development : improvement
recent advances in medicine
3
: a rise in price, value, or amount
4
: a first step or approach
an unfriendly look discourages advances
5
a
: the giving of something in payment (as money) before goods or services are received
I need an advance on my salary
b
: the money or goods given
advance
3 of 3 adjective1
: made, sent, or furnished ahead of time
an advance payment
2
: going or situated before
an advance guard
an advance scout
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