step forward

NOUN

breakthrough

Synonyms

STRONGEST

boost development discovery finding gain hike improvement leap progress

STRONG

find increase invention rise

WEAK

quantum leap

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decline decrease loss

WEAK

step back step backward

NOUN

melioration

Synonyms

STRONG

advance amelioration betterment boost break breakthrough buildup course dash development evolution expedition flowering growth headway hike impetus improvement increase journey lunge march momentum motion movement pace passage process procession proficiency progression promotion rate rise stride tour unfolding voyage way

WEAK

anabasis evolvement ongoing

Antonyms

STRONG

block blockage decline decrease diminishment failure halt hindrance inaction reduction stagnation stoppage whole worsening

NOUN

progress

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advance breakthrough development evolution growth headway improvement increase momentum movement pace process rise stride

STRONG

amelioration betterment boost break buildup course dash expedition flowering hike impetus journey lunge march motion passage procession proficiency progression promotion rate tour unfolding voyage way

WEAK

anabasis evolvement ongoing

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block decline decrease diminishment failure halt stagnation stoppage worsening

STRONG

hindrance whole

WEAK

deterioration retreat retrogression

NOUN

progression

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advancement breakthrough evolution

STRONG

advance amelioration betterment boost break development furtherance growth headway improvement promotion

WEAK

evolvement forward march getting ahead giant strides going forward

Antonyms

STRONGEST

halt stoppage

STRONG

block decline decrease failure hindrance impediment stagnation worsening

VERB

advance

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

Antonyms

STRONGEST

hinder

STRONG

cease halt hold keep retard stop

WEAK

back down decrease hesitate recede retreat retrogress take back turn withdraw yield

VERB

volunteer

Synonyms

STRONGEST

come forward enlist sign up suggest

STRONG

advance present proffer propose tender

WEAK

bring forward chip in do on one's own volition go in let oneself in for offer services put at one's disposal put forward speak up stand up submit oneself take bull by the horns take initiative take the plunge take upon oneself

Antonyms

STRONG

take back

WEAK

compel force obligate

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.

A.I. transcription has gotten extremely good in the past few years and has taken a notable step forward over the past several months.

From Slate • May 24, 2026

“The Nolans project is a major step forward for Australia’s rare earths industry,” said Australia’s Resources Minister Madeleine King.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

“I’m not making money off this, and so it’s nice when other people step forward and are like, ‘Hey, I want to help you out,’” Stier said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

"Celtic must step forward into this space with the authorities, with the broader partnership and ensure that this isn't happening again next year," said Sutherland.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

But as Lord Peter took one step forward, Beatrice took one step back.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck

step forward

Example Sentences

Related Words