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
However, chip analysts say the chipmaker’s ability to increase capacity in advance chips — used in applications that demand higher levels of computing performance and efficiency at higher yields — is limited. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 9 May 2025 Sportsfile | Getty Images Alphabet decided to spin off Isomorphic from DeepMind, tasking the startup with using the AlphaFold technology to deliver biomedical breakthroughs and advance drug design programs. Hayden Field, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
Atlanta didn’t advance a runner past first base and was facing its fourth shutout in seven games before Jurickson Profar’s one-out homer in the ninth, his second in as many games since returning from an 80-game PED suspension. David O'Brien, New York Times, 4 July 2025 Wu always centered her work around a larger mission of advancing knowledge and helping patients, Flanagan said. Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
Adjective
Competitors train for months in advance, preparing their bodies to consume thousands of calories in just a few minutes. Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 4 July 2025 The oldest line of Traeger reviewed here, the Pro 34, is a serviceable and very affordable pellet grill that has simply been overtaken by advances in the pellet grill space. Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for advance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advance
Verb
  • Culkin lent his voice to the audio drama Outliers, earning a 2023 Ambie nomination for Best Performance in Audio Fiction.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 June 2025
  • Once again, things get passive-aggressive until, while the two women fight to clean up the table, Carrie knocks the Coke over, Miranda’s computer gets wet, and Miranda uses a fancy scarf Carrie had lent her to clean up.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Benson Boone has spent 2025 promoting his new album American Heart, which debuted on the Billboard charts just a few weeks ago.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Investigators found no evidence of a client list or blackmail scheme involving prominent individuals, contradicting years of speculation and conspiracy theories that both Patel and Bongino had previously promoted.
    Adeola Adeosun Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • The ship’s construction began in February 2023 with steel cutting and then progressed with the keel laying in December 2023.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
  • More serious conditions like infection can also occur if contaminated water enters small cuts or open wounds in the skin, and can progress to sepsis if left untreated.
    ByMary Kekatos, ABC News, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • With ocean views and private plunge pools in every room, Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya elevates the very best of the classic Cancun experience from a quieter stretch of sand in Costa Mujeres.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
  • From royal favorites and grand hotel salons to quirky modern twists, the capital is brimming with venues that elevate the tradition to unforgettable heights.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • But only $2 million is being allocated to nutrition, an amount experts suggest is inadequate.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • But just 3% percent of those users pay for access to the software, Menlo estimated based on the survey’s results—suggesting 97% of users only use the free tier of AI tools.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • This wasn’t the first time a mayoral candidate approached another to drop out of the race.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025
  • When approached for comment in October, the Premier League said this was an example of the challenges that domestic leagues would face as a result of the alterations to the football calendar made by FIFA.
    Leon Imber, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Create clear pathways for advancement via micro-credentials.
    Scott White, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • With recent advancements in smart home technologies, a rediscovery of traditional craftsmanship, and a rekindling of national pride, Chinese industry leaders said the number of luxury domestic furniture brands is expected to rise in the near term.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • For the Pacers, the next step is bringing those improvements from the summer league floor to the NBA court.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 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 18 Jul. 2025.

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