promote

verb

pro·​mote prə-ˈmōt How to pronounce promote (audio)
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 noun
promotable adjective
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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web All In the Family: Billboard parent Penske Media Corporation promoted Brooke Jaffe to senior Vice President of public affairs and strategy, effective immediately. Marc Schneider, Billboard, 24 Nov. 2023 Join us for a vital discussion on promoting inclusivity and understanding within the Asian American community and beyond. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Nov. 2023 While managing a bookstore on Harvard Square, he was lured to New York by ads in The Village Voice promoting the East Side Bookstore. Sam Roberts, New York Times, 23 Nov. 2023 Kristen Fries was promoted to EVP and CFO at First Resource Bank. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Nov. 2023 Starting off with diamond microdermabrasion that removes dead skin cells and increases blood flow, there’s an LED Light Therapy that helps to promote collagen. Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2023 Before Lively founded Betty Buzz in 2021, her husband, Ryan Reynolds, already had a gin brand, and Lively synergistically promoted both Aviation Gin and A Simple Favor in this memorable Instagram post, which finds her, in character as Emily, um, dominating a naked man who is holding a martini. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 21 Nov. 2023 Its polyester fabric is infused with viscose for plenty of breathability and moisture-wicking properties as well as polyamide to promote durability and longevity (i.e.: no need to worry about snagging threads). Marissa Miller, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2023 Before our hourlong conversation starts, various people in their circle shuffle by Termanology’s studio room to greet Wall, the amiable Texan who’s visiting the city to promote the deluxe edition of Start Finish Repeat, their second collaborative project. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 12 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'promote.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of promote was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near promote

Cite this Entry

“Promote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/promote. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

promote

verb
pro·​mote prə-ˈmōt How to pronounce promote (audio)
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 How to pronounce promote (audio)
promoted; promoting
: to cause or contribute to the growth, development, or occurrence of
sugary drinks promote cavities
a diet that promotes good health

More from Merriam-Webster on promote

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