1
as in bright
having qualities which inspire hope
a promising writer who just may write the great American novel someday
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in encouraging
pointing toward a happy outcome
all the signs for the new business are promising
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in vowing
to make a solemn declaration of intent
they promised to keep in touch with us after they moved away
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in predicting
to show signs of a favorable or successful outcome
given the cast, the new sitcom promises to be an excellent show
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of promising
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025
And regardless of how Heaven progresses from here, the acquisition of a young, left-footed centre-back who is comfortable in possession and ready to contribute at first-team level for only £1.5million ($2m at the current rate) also represents a promising start for Wilcox as dealmaker-in-chief.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2025
While promising, these efforts are still in the pilot phase and are limited in scope.
—Steven Smith, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for promising
Adjective
The investigation into the death of her mother, Linda Anne Rayner, has long been a cold case without any promising signs that justice will be served.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025
And regardless of how Heaven progresses from here, the acquisition of a young, left-footed centre-back who is comfortable in possession and ready to contribute at first-team level for only £1.5million ($2m at the current rate) also represents a promising start for Wilcox as dealmaker-in-chief.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
Apple is hoping its iPhone 16 series, which was released in September, will help the company regain momentum in China, with the Cupertino, California, tech giant promising a host of new artificial intelligence features via its Apple Intelligence software.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2025
While promising, these efforts are still in the pilot phase and are limited in scope.
—Steven Smith, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for promising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for promising
Adjective
-
The Royals are betting Cruz’s future remains bright.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2025
-
After all, when the sun is so bright and the water so warm, who would ever want the summer to end?—
Erik Morse,
Vogue,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
That said, those encouraging numbers may not reflect immediate optimism about the global economy or geopolitics — aircrafts take years to deliver, and both Airbus and Boeing have a backlog of more than 8,000 and 5,000 aircrafts respectively.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
20 June 2025
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Andrew Redington/Getty Images Like most professional golfers, Thomas was highly critical of his game, but found the result encouraging, given the circumstances.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
The 49ers being the sixth favorite to win the Super Bowl next year seems insane and more based on past success rather than predicting future success.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
16 Mar. 2025
-
Mapping features is not the same as fully predicting behavior.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Following The Crowd When investors are optimistic, stock prices rise.—
Catherine Brock,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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Helping to build a company from the ground up requires a careful balance of being optimistic—with the right people.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
The odds backcourt mate Will Richard would hear his name called were not nearly as favorable.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2025
-
One is known as the Brady database — a reference to the 1963 U.S. Supreme Court decision Brady vs. Maryland, which says prosecutors are required to turn over evidence that could be favorable to a defendant, including evidence of police misconduct.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
Domino’s Pizza Some crises can strike without warning with others can build and simmer over a period of time.—
Edward Segal,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
-
In retrospect, Johnson’s warning back on December 26 was apt.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Surely a simple pass to a teammate would be more effective than a hopeful shot?—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
-
While previously acknowledging Democrats have failed voters in the past, Jolly is hopeful Florida is ready for a change: A Democrat governor.—
Siena Duncan,
Miami Herald,
22 June 2025
Verb
-
Again, hinting that the physical movement is the important aspect of rhythmic priming.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Per Booth, Seattle Kraken majority owner Samantha Holloway released a statement following news of the sale, hinting that her ownership group was interested in getting into the bidding to bring the Seattle SuperSonics back to town.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Promising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/promising. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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