promote

verb

pro·​mote prə-ˈmōt 

promoted; promoting

transitive verb

1

a

: to advance in station, rank, or honor : raise

b

: to change (a pawn) into a piece in chess by moving to the eighth rank

c

: to advance (a student) from one grade to the next higher grade

2

a

: to contribute to the growth or prosperity of : further

promote international understanding

b

: to help bring (something, such as an enterprise) into being : launch

c

: to present (merchandise) for buyer acceptance through advertising, publicity, or discounting

3

slang : to get possession of by doubtful means or by ingenuity

promotability

prə-ˌmō-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

promotable

prə-ˈmō-tə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• advance
• elevate
• raise
• upgrade

Choose the Right Synonym for promote

advance, promote, forward, further mean to help (someone or something) to move ahead.

advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end.

advance the cause of peace

promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank.

a campaign to promote better health

forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead.

a wage increase would forward productivity

further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance.

used the marriage to further his career

Examples of promote in a Sentence

He was promoted to senior editor.

The army major was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

The team have been promoted to the First Division.

Mediators were present to promote dialogue.

Good soil promotes plant growth.

The school distributed pamphlets promoting good dental hygiene.

The marketing department is busy promoting the new line of men's clothes for fall.

The island is being promoted as a destination for romantic getaways.

Recent Examples on the Web

Brown promoted Perlin’s draft of A Forest Journey to his publisher, W.W. Norton. —Eugene Linden, TIME, 21 Apr. 2024

And in February of this year, Glenn E. Rice, an investigative reporter and Kansas City native, was promoted to the role of politics and investigations editor. —The Star’s Leadership Team, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2024

At an April Al-Quds day demonstration, the last Friday of Ramadan, Iran promoted the destruction of Israel. —Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 20 Apr. 2024

Retinol products have also exhibited positive results in studies — consistent use can help smooth wrinkles and promote an even skin texture. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024

First, inside the Spotify library installation promoting the release, which popped up on Tuesday at the Grove in Los Angeles, Swift left her first easter egg: the clock above the card catalogue was set to 2:00. —Emily Longeretta, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024

The episode is classic television and helped promote Kings Island beyond Cincinnati. —Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 19 Apr. 2024

There's a toolkit The Wisconsin Business Leaders For Democracy promoted a civic engagement toolkit the group designed. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2024

Santos also worries that Musk is setting a precedent that the far right will be protected and promoted on his platform, regardless of local laws or public opinion. —Vittoria Elliott, WIRED, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin promotus, past participle of promovēre, literally, to move forward, from pro- forward + movēre to move

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing promote

• cross promote

Kids Definition

promote

verb

pro·​mote prə-ˈmōt 

promoted; promoting

1

: to move up in position or rank

was promoted to the next grade

2

: to help (something) grow or develop

good soil promotes plant growth

3

: to help increase the sales of

a sports star promoting a new product

Medical Definition

promote

transitive verb

pro·​mote prə-ˈmōt 

promoted; promoting

: to cause or contribute to the growth, development, or occurrence of

sugary drinks promote cavities

a diet that promotes good health