The phrase "made advances" typically refers to making a move or expressing romantic interest in someone. Some antonyms for this phrase could include "avoidance," "withdrawal," "rejection," "neglect," or "disinterest." Using these antonyms in the context of a romantic situation, it might be said that one person was actively pursuing the other, while the other showed no interest and was actively avoiding or rejecting their advances. In other situations, the phrase "made advances" might refer to someone making progress or achieving a goal, in which case antonyms could include "regression," "inaction," "retreat," or "failure.