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 Something as simple as electricity that keeps more businesses and markets open at night can promote intra-African connections and commercial opportunities. — Jared Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026 But so far, the company’s barrage of new meal deals and aggressive marketing to promote them have come up short. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 The Whole Earth Catalog, founded by writer and editor Stewart Brand, promoted ecological knowledge and self-sufficiency, but was still a compendium of things to buy. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 Ted gives her a going-away present, which seems to be a whistle in a red box, meaning she has been promoted to Head Coach of the Lady Greyhounds. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for promote

Recent Examples of Synonyms for promote

Verb

The movie, directed by Siân Heder and starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, adapts Gabrielle Zevin’s best-selling novel about game developers.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
In 2024, The Francis House was sold to hospitality company Edward Anthony Lifestyle.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of sell

Verb

Analysts anticipate that gold prices will remain constrained in the short term by a strong US dollar and elevated US Treasury yields.

— , CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
While the property’s extensive and expensive renovation has elevated nearly every corner of the resort, the room doors appear to have been overlooked.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of elevate

Verb

Unlike many spas that focus on the healing effects of treatments, Kamalaya goes much deeper, encouraging guests to explore more emotional issues in a safe space.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Still, Terry Strada, whose husband, Tom Strada, was killed in the attacks, said she was encouraged that more than 100 family members of 9/11 victims turned out and by the judges’ questions.

— Tom Winter, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

Its minimalist aesthetic and discreet approach to luxury perfectly capture the growing desire for versatile bags that transition effortlessly from day to evening.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
There’s the ever-growing collection of vinyl and books overflowing from the lobby lounge’s shelves.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of grow

Verb

As in the thriller, anxious local leaders debated whether publicizing the peril would scare off tourists.

— Bob Drogin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
But since then, the policies have been adopted uniformly, publicized clearly and elevated to play a more central role in campus life.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of publicize

Verb

Despite being a weird device with a black-and-white screen and a crank jutting out the side, the Playdate has managed to cultivate a strong and constantly growing library of games.

— Andrew Webster, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026
The plant is also widely cultivated as a fodder crop for livestock.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of cultivate

Verb

The new film by the Golden Leopard-winning director will be produced under Brazil’s MyMama Entertainment banner in co-production with Switzerland’s Cinédokké Sagl and Brazil’s MMM Carioca.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
An enticing blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, the wine had fewer than 5,500 bottles produced of its inaugural 2022 vintage and only 300 are allocated to the United States.

— Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of produce

Browse Nearby Words

promos

promote

promoted

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Promote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/promote. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of promote

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

abscond

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes