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
Claire Rafford, IndyStar, 6 Jan. 2026
Abasiri is a promising, versatile prospect who can be used in multiple ways in the Trojans’ defense.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026
Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026
Trump leaned heavily on voter frustration over affordability during the 2024 campaign, promising swift relief from rising living costs.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for promising
Adjective
On the surface, Stanley was a promising candidate.
—Claire Rafford, IndyStar, 6 Jan. 2026
Abasiri is a promising, versatile prospect who can be used in multiple ways in the Trojans’ defense.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
Sixty-five years ago, Rabbit Angstrom, another once-promising basketball player, ran away from his wife without a map.
—Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026
Trump leaned heavily on voter frustration over affordability during the 2024 campaign, promising swift relief from rising living costs.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for promising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for promising
Adjective
-
Bure is keeping her faith — and her Christmas crown — shining bright.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Researchers have discovered the brightest and most powerful flare ever seen from a supermassive black hole.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s two straight encouraging performances from Lopez, who went 15-for-19 for 216 yards and two touchdowns against Syracuse.—
Justin Williams,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Amazingly, Exposure contestants go through hours of practice and performance each day without ever seeming to tire, and along with the competitive spirit, there’s a real sense of community, with skaters constantly encouraging, applauding, and appreciating each other.—
Lonnie Burstein Hewitt,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
District Attorney Summer Stephan issued a statement disagreeing with the decision and vowing to fight.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
-
And even with the Bears collectively vowing to rapidly turn the page, that task may now be the equivalent of flipping over a 150-pound stone tablet.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Often, these are small leagues (six teams), and there is a mix of strategies — targeting players with great upside and/or matchups, and predicting who will go deepest into the playoffs.—
Jake Ciely,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
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Our designers are predicting a shift towards more opaque palettes featuring olive greens, chocolate browns, deep, muted variations of red, and off-white hues, much like those seen in the 2026 colors of the year.—
Nishaa Sharma,
The Spruce,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
While the center has shifted its funding to focus to operating the two clinics and remaining open as a gathering space, Hawkins is still optimistic despite the losses.—
Eloise Rollins-Fife,
Mercury News,
8 Nov. 2025
-
And participants with the top 20% of stock holdings are especially optimistic.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The main threat will be in the morning into the afternoon hours where conditions will be more favorable for severe development.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
This matchup, then, could be favorable for the Birds.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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During an hours-long standoff, Mateen dialed 911 and a local news station, swearing allegiance to ISIS in both calls.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
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How To Travel Instead Breaking up with the social-media-first mindset doesn’t mean swearing off your phone entirely.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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There is warning for heavy snowfall between Fairmount and 158th Street / US-24 East in Basehor.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
-
While the weekend will see warmer afternoon temperatures, wind gusts will continue to sweep through the usual Santa Ana Wind Corridor, bringing a high wind warning to the area.—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Promising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/promising. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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