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
Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
The Giants must capitalize with early wins against vulnerable opponents this fall to set a promising course in John Harbaugh’s first season as head coach.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 May 2026
Next Round Of Vendor Selection Will the AI, as a potential and promising useful idiot, take the bait?
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for promising
Adjective
Kim soon emerged as a promising candidate.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
The Giants must capitalize with early wins against vulnerable opponents this fall to set a promising course in John Harbaugh’s first season as head coach.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
Verb
And so this Cannes screening — promising not just a visually immaculate experience, assembled from the original camera negative, but a complete and uncut one — had a pleasing ring of comprehensive authority to it.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 May 2026
Next Round Of Vendor Selection Will the AI, as a potential and promising useful idiot, take the bait?
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for promising
Recent Examples of Synonyms for promising
Adjective
-
Because a bright sky helps subdue Venus's glare, this is a good time to inspect the planet telescopically, though its gibbous disk remains rather small and approximately seven-eighths illuminated.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
18 May 2026
-
The trick is not to chase every bright idea.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
The serious problem of reliance on an adversary will take time to solve, but early returns are encouraging.—
Editorial Board,
Washington Post,
22 May 2026
-
Those upbeat points for philosophy are heartwarming and abundantly encouraging.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
Democrats in both chambers are vowing to press on and Republican defections are gradually growing in each chamber.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
18 May 2026
-
The night also featured Randy Savage and Mike Bell being inducted into the MJN Center Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame and Killer Kross and Shotzi vowing to make appearances at ACW’s next event, Indypendence Day on July 18.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
By Saturday morning, rival studios were more bullish than Disney in predicting a four-day domestic opening of $95 million to $100 million for Mandalorian.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
23 May 2026
-
Stop overriding the ranking and start predicting it.—
Lutz Finger,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Adjective
-
For many, Everlane represents the optimistic millennial ideal that consumers could shop their way to sustainability.—
Bella Webb,
Vogue,
22 May 2026
-
The overall mood feels expressive, relaxed and optimistic, with clothing designed for movement, travel, modern summer living and, most importantly, fun.—
Alex Badia,
Footwear News,
22 May 2026
Adjective
-
Some time later, a colleague convinced him to rein in his gland reductions, arguing that the glands could instead be moved into a more favorable position by adjusting the platysma using a specific technique.—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
14 May 2026
-
The lawsuit argues that allowing such a transfer could create incentives for states to enrich a president in hopes of favorable federal treatment.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Davidson, 54, became the subject of numerous documentaries, and in 2019, made headlines for unintentionally swearing at Queen Elizabeth II while receiving an award for his advocacy work.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Some incidents included use-of-force and other behavioral concerns, including discussions over whether to provide bodycam where deputies were swearing to the show.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Budget belt-tightening has Massachusetts teachers sounding the alarm, warning that over 1,000 positions are currently sitting on the chopping block at schools across the state.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
19 May 2026
-
Labor economists are skeptical of widespread automation in restaurants, warning productivity benefits are often modest compared to the cost of the new technology, and that truly unlocking benefits of AI in the industry requires a complete overhaul of operations.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Promising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/promising. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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