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 The platform has featured traditional adverts for bets, but CazéTV’s commentators have also promoted betting during the games, blending advertising with commentary of the action on the pitch. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 The company threw a lavish caviar party at Cannes and in May hosted panels promoting its cinematic tool at Amazon’s AI on the Lot event in Culver City. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Since Musk, the world’s richest person, took over X (then Twitter) in 2022 in a $44B deal, the site has come under constant criticism for promoting extremist content and misinformation. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 July 2026 She was promoted to city clerk in 2008 and has remained in the position during the final years of Mayor Pat McCrory’s administration and throughout former Mayor Vi Lyles’ tenure, which ended this week. — Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for promote

Recent Examples of Synonyms for promote

Verb

Since the band was formed, the group has sold over 100 million records worldwide.

— Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
SparkHouse’s cafe and bar is open to the public and sells tea, coffee (try the honey matcha latte), wine, beer cocktails and small bites.

— Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of sell

Verb

Toxic metals, including lead and arsenic, were not elevated, according to air district data.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
The black-eyed peas blended with garlic, tahini, and lemon makes for a smoky, zesty, and bright dish that elevates a standard hummus.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026

Definition of elevate

Verb

Valentine also testified that the FDA encourages infant formula companies to send in all adverse event reports and that nothing prevented Mead Johnson from doing so.

— David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Going forward, the city will encourage data center developers to submit an application for a special use district, meaning the site would specifically be used for a data center, nothing else.

— Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

The iconic fast food company has grown beyond its California roots in recent years, opening locations in Colorado, Texas, Idaho, and as far east as Tennessee.

— James Powel, USA Today, 7 July 2026
And a growing body of research suggests that one of the simplest ways to help isn’t more space or more exercise.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026

Definition of grow

Verb

Typically, finds are not publicized before they’re once again buried under new construction, though reports are filed with public authorities.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
While this provides regulatory certainty for companies, the more pressing, yet less publicized, issue is interconnection.

— Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of publicize

Verb

Depending on your home, circumstances, and existing HVAC setup, this may involve adding a wireless temperature sensor upstairs or upgrading HVAC systems.

— Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 3 July 2026
All 182 guest rooms were given a fresh coat of dusty rose paint, new custom carpet, furniture and upgraded bathrooms.

— Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of upgrade

Verb

But the star has cultivated a loyal collective of her favorite brands, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney and Area (recall her famous Super Bowl jeans).

— Morgan Evans, USA Today, 4 July 2026
The one-person filmmaker averages 3 million views per episode and has cultivated a YouTube audience of 500,000.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of cultivate

Verb

During an earnings call in May, Chief Executive Brian Chesky said AI now writes nearly 60% of new code, produced by the company’s engineers.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
For decades, oceans have acted as the planet’s main heat sink, absorbing 90% of the excess heat produced by humans burning fossil fuels.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 1 July 2026

Definition of produce

Browse Nearby Words

promos

promote

promoted

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Style

“Promote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/promote. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of promote

verb

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