PROGRESS Synonyms: 185 Similar and Opposite Words

progress 1 of 2

noun

ˈprä-grəs

Definition of progress

as in process

forward movement in time or place we're making slow progress against this stiff headwind

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in evolution

the act or process of going from the simple or basic to the complex or advanced the rapid progress of medical science in the last century

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

progress

2 of 2

verb

prə-ˈgres

as in to grow

to become mature generally a species progresses from simple forms to more specialized forms

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to proceed

to move forward along a course our wedding plans are progressing nicely

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 progress

Noun

Beyond getting you outside and moving, gardening offers a satisfying sense of progress. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 30 July 2026 The things to watch are any update to full-year guidance and progress on earnings continuing to compound. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 30 July 2026

Verb

Anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer — and every woman deserves to be heard before the disease has progressed to a later stage. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 31 July 2026 This mechanical setup allowed researchers to progress safely from initial cold checks to full-temperature electricity generation. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for progress

Recent Examples of Synonyms for progress

Noun

Community colleges that want to offer non-credit classes are able to move especially fast, because the approval process is less cumbersome.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
But the processes, incentives and measurements in most firms stayed the same.

— Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of process

Verb

People can write about changing tastes, but as characters that grow and evolve through the decades, there are none better than the Marvel characters — and none better than Peter Parker.

— Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Atlanta City Council is directing city departments to beef up efforts to protect residents from the growing threat of extreme heat after the city recently faced withering critiques from homeless services groups for its response to a recent heatwave.

— Drew Kann, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of grow

Noun

Ultimately, the person opted to include the photo – something Lenain sees as a progression toward embracing their full self.

— Michael-Oliver Harding, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
In my experience, the technologies that transform industries are those that adapt to existing habits, workflows and needs, making adoption feel less like a disruption and more like a natural progression.

— Omar Hafez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of progression

Noun

In the broader Pinnacle development, Wardle detailed more commercial space and offices coming to the area around the South Meridian library, plus a new subdivision planned for residents age 55 and older.

— Rose Evans August 4, Idaho Statesman, 4 Aug. 2026
At one point during my tenure, my professional responsibilities included those of executive director, development director, communications director, program director and board secretary.

— Patrick Riccards, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of development

Verb

Chinese brands were able to capitalize on high demand this year, especially in Europe, thanks to flexible supply chains that can rapidly develop new, localized products.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
At the same time, the Navy keeps developing the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine to replace the aging Ohio-class nuclear deterrent fleet.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026

Definition of develop

Verb

There’s not a whole lot that can be done to harden them against bombs and drones.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
The famed highway—which turns 100 this year—passes through bustling cities, natural landmarks, and quirky roadside attractions, so there’s plenty of things to see (and do) along the way.

— Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of do

Browse Nearby Words

programs

progress

progressed

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Progress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/progress. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of progress

noun

verb

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