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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of promising
Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
The results upon his return were much better, and his September was especially promising.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026
Candice Frederick, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
In January 2026, a deepfake of Bombay Stock Exchange CEO Sundararaman Ramamurthy spread across social media, promising investors impossible returns and urging them to join private WhatsApp investment groups.
—Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for promising
Adjective
Despite a promising first month of relief pitching, the preseason concerns surrounding the bullpen are proving to be correct.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
The results upon his return were much better, and his September was especially promising.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026
Verb
Even as Dylan maneuvers weightier situations like romantic rejection, or the uncertainty of a new leadership position, or feeling bothered that a promising student decides to turn her back on poetry, the actress brings a sense of humanity while embracing her character’s flaws.
—Candice Frederick, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
In January 2026, a deepfake of Bombay Stock Exchange CEO Sundararaman Ramamurthy spread across social media, promising investors impossible returns and urging them to join private WhatsApp investment groups.
—Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for promising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for promising
Adjective
-
In braids and a bright yellow fishing bib, with her dog Claude at her side and a witty interjection always on the tip of her tongue, Maude climbs onto her trusty little boat and sets a course for the open sea.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
-
Durable enough to handle the elements, this waterproof light features a comfortable elastic strap and a bright, adjustable beam that improves visibility while keeping both hands free for unloading luggage, handling car repairs, or setting up camp in the dark.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
For the Class of 2026, that’s an encouraging message.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2026
-
But the run-up under splash hire coach Mauricio Pochettino has been less than encouraging, though a recent 3-2 friendly win over a stout Senegal squad was a positive.—
Greg Cote
June 4,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Ali wakes up in the morning to find Rue in the living room, learning from the news that Fez broke out of prison and vowing to get him.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
1 June 2026
-
Earlier this month, the AFL-CIO labor union, representing about 70,000 Central Florida workers, passed a resolution vowing not to support any candidate who doesn’t resign their office in time for a new election.—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Many traders see China’s eventual return to pre-Iran war oil purchasing rates as the key to predicting when oil prices finally lurch higher.—
Devika Krishna Kumar,
Fortune,
6 June 2026
-
Perhaps granting the nation some reprieve, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has projected a below-average hurricane season, predicting eight to 14 named storms.—
Mallory Wilson,
The Hill,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Workers who feel optimistic about AI’s effect on their careers report dramatically stronger workplace outcomes across engagement, effort, and intent to stay.—
Matt Rosenbaum,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
-
Her mindset immediately shifted from a sinking feeling to being optimistic about the future.—
Ayren Jackson-Cannady,
SELF,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Conservative state lawmakers who have received tens of thousands of dollars from Gleason and his family are also those who have consistently sponsored, or at least provided their favorable votes, to bills that would directly benefit his precious metals business.—
Kevin Fixler
June 4,
Idaho Statesman,
4 June 2026
-
In nearly half of those actions, the plaintiffs have won a preliminary injunction against the administration or a favorable ruling, said Lawrence Pacheco, a spokesman for Weiser’s office.—
John Aguilar,
Denver Post,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Andrew has a long record of rudeness to staff, shouting and swearing at them and going against strict protocol rules over security.—
Christina Dugan Ramirez , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
-
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office honored a Colorado veteran's decades of service and sacrifice by swearing him in as an honorary sheriff's deputy.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
25 May 2026
Verb
-
Bahrain’s interior ministry also sounded warning sirens urging residents to seek shelter.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
-
An 83-year-old woman was slashed in the neck on her way to church after politely greeting a homeless man, who attacked her without warning outside her Brooklyn home, the victim told the Daily News on Monday.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Promising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/promising. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
