I. verb
1.
to cause to proceed or progress toward a goal
warm rains advanced the crops
Synonyms: encourage, forward, foster, further, promote, serve
Related Word: aid, assist, help; accelerate, quicken, speed
Contrasted words: hinder, impede; delay, slow; curb, restrain
Antonyms: retard; check
2.
to raise in rank or position
was advanced to the presidency
Synonyms: elevate, prefer, promote, upgrade
Related Word: aggrandize, exalt, raise, uplift; glorify, immortalize, magnify
Antonyms: hold back; reduce ( in rank )
3.
Synonyms: lend , loan
4.
Synonyms: adduce , allege, cite, lay, offer, present
Related Word: air, broach, expose
5.
to go forward in space or time or toward an objective
prices advanced sharply
Synonyms: get along, get on, march, move, proceed, progress
Related Word: heighten, increase, intensify; develop, mature
Idioms: forge ahead, gain ground, get ahead, make headway ( or progress), make one's way, make rapid strides
Contrasted words: retire, retreat, retrograde, withdraw
Antonyms: recede
II. noun
1.
Synonyms: progress 2, course, progression
2.
forward movement especially on a course of action or development
the recent advance of technology
Synonyms: advancement, anabasis, headway, march, ongoing, proficiency, progress
Related Word: betterment, furtherance, improvement; development, evolution; breakthrough
Contrasted words: retreat, retrogression; ebbing, retiring, withdrawal
Antonyms: recession
3.
Synonyms: overture 1, approach
Related Word: offer, proffer