PROMOTE Synonyms: 180 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'promote' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of promote are advance , forward , and further . While all these words mean "to help (someone or something) to move ahead," promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank. // a campaign to promote better health

Q: When might 'advance' be a better fit than 'promote'?

Although the words advance and promote have much in common, advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end. // advance the cause of peace

Q: When is it sensible to use 'forward' instead of 'promote'?

While the synonyms forward and promote are close in meaning, forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead. // a wage increase would forward productivity

Q: When would 'further' be a good substitute for 'promote'?

The synonyms further and promote are sometimes interchangeable, but further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance. // used the marriage to further his career

promote

verb

prə-ˈmōt

Definition of promote

as in to sell

to provide publicity for promoting a new line of toys based on the popular movie

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to elevate

to move higher in rank or position the navy promoted her to captain for her record of outstanding performance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to encourage

to help the growth or development of a campaign promoting good dental hygiene

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grow

to look after or assist the growth of by labor and care spends all her time now promoting her new business

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb promote contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of promote are advance, forward, and further. While all these words mean "to help (someone or something) to move ahead," promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank.

a campaign to promote better health

When might advance be a better fit than promote?

Although the words advance and promote have much in common, advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end.

advance the cause of peace

When is it sensible to use forward instead of promote?

While the synonyms forward and promote are close in meaning, forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead.

a wage increase would forward productivity

When would further be a good substitute for promote?

The synonyms further and promote are sometimes interchangeable, but further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance.

used the marriage to further his career

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 promote Plus, its gravity ball moves along the track smoothly, which helps promote a nice rhythm to your motions. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 According to WebMD, dermal piercings — which are anchored below the skin — should be covered for a couple days when done to promote healing. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 That is the ostensible purpose of a cover, to promote its wares, but also to more mysteriously convey what reading an individual book might feel like. — Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026 Feldman has since been promoted to major, and his name has been floated as a possible successor to Jones as police chief. — Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for promote

Recent Examples of Synonyms for promote

Verb

Those holders could be sitting on sizeable gains despite recent volatility, giving them an incentive to sell now, Lee at Direxion said.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
The popular set tends to sell quickly, so consider grabbing one while fall-favorite shades like dusty olive, terracotta, and mauve are still in stock.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of sell

Verb

In an effort to help elevate Thoroughbred racing among the everyday sports fan, Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association will launch a three-year-old championship series consisting of six races beginning in 2027.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Boxwood shrubs are a great option for pristine hedges and natural privacy screens, elevating your landscaping with their bright green foliage and clean appearance.

— Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of elevate

Verb

Boundless San Francisco, which encourages out-of-the-box ideas, echoes the venture capital ethos, Crankstart Chief Executive Officer Missy Narula said.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
The communication drills are intended to encourage first-line fighters to be more self-reliant and effective in battle, experts say.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

People can write about changing tastes, but as characters that grow and evolve through the decades, there are none better than the Marvel characters — and none better than Peter Parker.

— Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Atlanta City Council is directing city departments to beef up efforts to protect residents from the growing threat of extreme heat after the city recently faced withering critiques from homeless services groups for its response to a recent heatwave.

— Drew Kann, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of grow

Verb

Although many social media influencers have publicized severe side effects from vaccines, side effects are overwhelmingly mild.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
The story publicizing the divorce ran three weeks after Holscher sent the message discouraging interference in the primary.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

Definition of publicize

Verb

Leaders must cultivate environments that foster these paths, offering meaningful ownership, opportunities for judgment, learning, and mentorship.

— Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Ganni’s success also fueled growing interest in Copenhagen’s fashion scene, helping pave the way for fellow Danish labels like Saks Potts, Stine Goya, Rotate, and Baum und Pferdgarten to cultivate devoted international followings.

— Kelsey Stewart, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of cultivate

Verb

However, excess nitrogen can also cause crepe myrtles to produce lots of leaves and minimal flowers.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Series is created and written by Brennan and executive produced by Murphy, Brennan, Max Winkler, Eric Kovtun, Scott Robertson, Louise Shore, Nissa Diederich, Todd Kubrak, Carl Franklin and Tanase Popa.

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of produce

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promoted

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Style

“Promote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/promote. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of promote

verb

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