PROGRESSION Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

progression

noun

prə-ˈgre-shən

Definition of progression

as in sequence

a series of things linked together a progression of events that ended in utter disaster for the arctic explorers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in progress

forward movement in time or place our progression was slow but steady

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in evolution

the act or process of going from the simple or basic to the complex or advanced that civilization's gradual progression from simple bartering to a complex economy and monetary system

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 progression Dogs can be trained to alert to these odors by sniffing samples of breath, plasma and saliva, and have the capacity to detect cancerous cells early on in the disease’s progression, according to the Kennel Club. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2026 Medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar are also commonly used to slow disease progression while also protecting the heart and kidneys. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 There’s no long progression like was from that first long ago; things very quickly go south. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 The delay in natural progression is so severe that the children of Russia’s aging elites are being introduced below them in bureaucratic positions of their own, bypassing an intermediate generation. — Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for progression

Recent Examples of Synonyms for progression

Noun

Those types of sequences are building-block moments for Williams, competitive victories as the offense continues to take shape.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
There are dance sequences to come, and delight to be had as their own kids demonstrate the same ferocious capacity for imaginative play in later years.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of sequence

Noun

But that effort has moved slowly in the months since, spurring frustration among some White House and health officials that HHS doesn’t yet have any significant progress for the administration to tout, two administration officials said.

— Adam Cancryn, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
As a thought leader in existential psychology and human motivation, Clay translates research into practical insights that help people reach their full potential, build meaningful lives, and advance human progress and flourishing.

— Big Think, Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of progress

Noun

Agentic commerce is the next evolution of online shopping, where AI agents not only recommend products but also actively handle buying tasks on a user’s behalf.

— Raj Ananthanpillai, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
As teachers have always adapted to new tools, from calculators to the internet, AI will almost certainly become another part of that evolution.

— Sonia Murrow, Time, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of evolution

Noun

The chain replaced its soft bun with a more sturdier version, changed the recipe for its mayonnaise and now serves it in a box instead of wrapped in paper.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
After the pandemic, a national chain of Pilates studios reported 71 percent year-on-year growth in membership among men, as cited by GQ.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of chain

Noun

Then, the entire Soviet Union disintegrated, with all 15 republics breaking away, but in a peaceful process that Gorbachev hoped would lead to the creation of new democracies across Europe and Asia.

— Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
During a californium-252 separation campaign in 2015, Delmau considered whether a different solvent extraction technique could eliminate a lengthy step in the process.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of process

Noun

That came in 2014-15, in a year where the richest opportunistically pilfered a couple of less wealthy clubs who had shown themselves highly adept at scouting and youth development.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
After years of slow progress, a new development in in a Colorado town is finally close to getting the green light.

— Olivia Young, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of development

Noun

The actor arrived in a regal sky blue high-neck top with a long cascading train and clashing red lining — custom designed by Prabal Gurung — offset with a casual pair of low slung, non-maternity jeans by La Ligne that skimmed just under her bump.

— Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
According to the Metra website, UPW Train #66 remains stopped near Lombard, but all other inbound and outbound trains are back on the move and may be operating 50 minutes behind schedule.

— Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of train

Noun

Yet there’s been growing backlash over the technology’s rapid advancement and its influence on everything from jobs to cybersecurity, mental health, the economy and local communities.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
This convergence will redefine industries, national security, scientific advancement, and day-to-day living.

— Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of advancement

Browse Nearby Words

progressing

progression

progressions

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Progression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/progression. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of progression

noun

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