plural promises
1
: a statement telling someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future
I'll be here early tomorrow, and that's a promise. [=I promise that I'll be here early tomorrow]
Do I have your promise that you'll support me? [=do you promise to support me?]
She gave me her promise.
I don't believe his promise of further tax cuts. = I don't believe his promise to cut taxes further.
He made a promise to help her. = He made a promise that he would help her. [=he promised to help her]
He kept/fulfilled his promise. [=he did what he said he would do]
He broke his promise. = He went back on his promise. [=he didn't do what he said he would do]
She never made a promise that she didn't intend to keep.
2
: an indication of future success or improvement
a young artist who shows (a lot of) promise [=who seems talented and likely to do good work in the future]
Her early novels were full of promise. [=were very promising]
The new drug holds/has promise. [=the new drug could be effective or successful]
3
: a reason to expect that something will happen in the future
—+ of
There is little promise of relief in the forecast.
They were attracted by the promise of success.
a sunny morning that gives every promise of a fine day
There is a promise of better days ahead.
promises; promised; promising
1
: to tell someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future
He promised to buy his son a new bicycle. = He promised his son a new bicycle. = He promised a new bicycle to his son.
Promise me that you won't tell anyone.
I can't promise you that I'll be able to go, but I'll do my best.
The governor promised that the prisoners would receive a fair trial.
She promised to announce the results tomorrow.
International organizations have promised aid.
I promise to be careful.
You always promise, but you never do what you say you will.
"I won't tell anyone." "Promise?" "Yes, I promise."
2
somewhat formal
: to make (something) seem likely : to show signs of (something that is likely or expected to happen)
Those gray skies promise rain.
Note: Something that promises to be good, exciting, etc., is expected to be good, exciting, etc.
Cite this Entry
“Promise.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/promise. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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