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.

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

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

• 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