promote

verb

prə-ˈmōt How to pronounce promote (audio)
Definition of promotenext
1
as in to sell
to provide publicity for promoting a new line of toys based on the popular movie

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to elevate
to move higher in rank or position the navy promoted her to captain for her record of outstanding performance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to encourage
to help the growth or development of a campaign promoting good dental hygiene

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to grow
to look after or assist the growth of by labor and care spends all her time now promoting her new business

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb promote contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of promote are advance, forward, and further. While all these words mean "to help (someone or something) to move ahead," promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank.

a campaign to promote better health

When might advance be a better fit than promote?

Although the words advance and promote have much in common, advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end.

advance the cause of peace

When is it sensible to use forward instead of promote?

While the synonyms forward and promote are close in meaning, forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead.

a wage increase would forward productivity

When would further be a good substitute for promote?

The synonyms further and promote are sometimes interchangeable, but further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance.

used the marriage to further his career

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 promote Backstreet Boys, '90s pop royalty, used a viral video out of Cincinnati to promote a new Super Bowl ad. —Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Feb. 2026 Ghana should learn from countries such as Thailand and the Philippines, which have spent decades building a knowledge ecosystem to promote just this kind of value transformation. —Bright Simons, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026 Soluble fiber forms a gel in the gut that slows digestion, supports steadier blood sugar, and promotes fullness. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026 Insoluble fiber promotes comfortable and regular bowel movements by adding bulk to your stool. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for promote
Recent Examples of Synonyms for promote
  1. sell
  2. elevate
  3. encourage
  4. grow
  5. publicize
  6. upgrade
  7. cultivate
  8. produce
Verb
  • Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number (SSN), phone number, and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Coco frio, also known as fresh coconut water, is a refreshment commonly sold by street vendors on the island.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of sell
Verb
  • Locally, that mindset can normalize police militarization, limit free expression and elevate private interests over the public.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Their playoff run ended in heartbreak (a 33-30 overtime loss to Denver), and the offseason brought major change, with Sean McDermott out and Joe Brady elevated.
    — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of elevate
Verb
  • Your 7th House of Partnership steadies as boundary-setting Saturn arrives, encouraging clear agreements across your closest bonds so your diplomatic style can bring fairness without overgiving.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The evening was more about the vibe; Gelman encourages all guests to dress up in fancy cocktail attire.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of encourage
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the bloom of illicit pot grows on private land has been demanding California’s attention, a growing problem since voters legalized cannabis in 2016.
    — Rachel Becker, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • With increasing production complexity and a growing shortage of skilled labor, the Group views Physical AI systems as a robust solution to address gaps in both areas.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of grow
Verb
  • The attorney general at one point acknowledged that mistakes had been made as the Justice Department tried to comply with a federal law that required it to review, redact and publicize millions of files within a 30-day period.
    — Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The studio was stumped on how to publicize it.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of publicize
Verb
  • If your cabinets feel dated, change the surfaces or upgrade the hardware.
    — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
  • From topping tacos and chips to upgrading burgers and grain bowls, the mealtime opportunities are endless.
    — Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of upgrade
Verb
  • The actor, who also produced the film alongside Safdie, Ronald Bronstein, Eli Bush and Anthony Katagas, has cultivated a solid relationship with Chinese moviegoers through previous releases.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Why Seedlings Need to Be Hardened Off Indoor seedlings are cultivated in a sheltered environment where they’re protected from harsh winds, bright sunlight, and cool spring breezes.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of cultivate
Verb
  • Our show is expertly produced, as always by Chris McLeod of Blue Elevator Productions and our very own Josh Billinson.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Karacasu Tekstil did its part, launching its Spinnovation collection of yarns that use half as much water and produce half as many carbon emissions.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of produce

Browse Nearby Words

promos
promote
promoted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Promote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/promote. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on promote

Nglish: Translation of promote for Spanish Speakers

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