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Definitions

advance

[ad-vans, -vahns] / ædˈvæns, -ˈvɑns /
ADJECTIVE
ahead in position or time
Synonyms
STRONG
first forward leading prior
WEAK
beforehand earlier early foremost in front in the forefront in the lead previously
Antonyms
STRONG
last later
WEAK
after behind
NOUN
forward movement
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advancement progress
STRONG
headway impetus motion progression
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decline retreat retrogression
STRONG
block hindrance
WEAK
failure halt hesitation impediment recession stagnation stop withdrawal
NOUN
improvement, progress in development
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advancement boost breakthrough development gain growth increase progress rise step
STRONG
amelioration betterment break buildup enrichment furtherance go ahead headway promotion up upgrade upping
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decline decrease diminishment loss retreat retrogression stoppage
STRONG
hindrance
WEAK
block failure halt hesitation impediment recession stagnation stop withdrawal
NOUN
money given beforehand
Synonyms
STRONGEST
hike increase rise
STRONG
accommodation allowance bite credit deposit floater loan prepayment retainer score stake take touch
WEAK
down payment front money
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decrease
WEAK
block failure halt hesitation impediment recession stagnation stop withdrawal
VERB
move something forward, often quickly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accelerate achieve move up progress promote propel speed storm
STRONG
conquer dispatch drive elevate hasten launch march proceed quicken skyrocket
WEAK
bring forward come forward continue ahead continue on forge ahead gain ground get ahead get green light get there get with it go ahead go forth go forward go great guns go places go to town make headway make the scene move on move onward press on push ahead push on send forward step forward
Antonyms
STRONGEST
hinder
STRONG
cease halt hold keep retard stop
WEAK
back down decrease hesitate recede retreat retrogress take back turn withdraw yield
VERB
promote or propose an idea
Synonyms
STRONGEST
benefit boost encourage further introduce offer push
STRONG
adduce allege ballyhoo cite foster hype plug present proffer puff serve splash spot submit suggest urge
WEAK
beat the drum for get ink for lay forward make a pitch for put forward put on the map set forth throw spotlight on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
block discourage dissuade halt hinder hurt prevent
STRONG
conceal hide refrain take withhold
WEAK
back down decrease hesitate recede retreat retrogress stop take back turn withdraw yield
VERB
give money beforehand
Synonyms
STRONGEST
provide
STRONG
furnish lend loan pay
Antonyms
STRONG
borrow
WEAK
back down decrease halt hesitate recede retreat retrogress stop take back turn withdraw yield
VERB
increase in amount, number, or position
Synonyms
STRONGEST
boost develop grow improve raise upgrade
STRONG
elevate enlarge grade magnify multiply prefer prosper thrive up uplift
WEAK
break the bank get fat get rich hit pay dirt hit the jackpot make a killing make out pan out strike gold strike it rich
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decline decrease diminish halt hurt lessen reduce repress stop
STRONG
fail lose lower spurn
WEAK
back down hesitate recede retreat retrogress take back turn withdraw yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Higher wholesale higher prices have not yet been passed through to consumers, as energy companies buy their gas up to two years in advance.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Because it relies on existing satellites, the method delivers a major advance in ocean monitoring without requiring new equipment in space.

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2026

And, as we tend to book in advance, the ONS collected the info on fares in February, so there was no impact from the war.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

“Technology, AI, is supposed to support mankind, it is supposed to help mankind, it is supposed to advance mankind. Not end it.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

They promised the boys that they could advance through the ranks and become officers.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Vocabulary lists containing advance

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The ACT: The Language of the Test, List 2

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!