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 An avid fantasy player who plays in three or four leagues per year, Sunday had noticed a pattern of Miller actively promoting registrations for leagues and then failing to engage in league matters. — Alex Andrejev, New York Times, 17 July 2026 Lemon balm aids sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026 Gold, who is in his 13th season with the Cardinals, was promoted to director of college scouting in June 2025. — ABC News, 17 July 2026 Chicory root fibre, which promotes satiety, stabilises blood sugar levels and supports gut health. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for promote

Recent Examples of Synonyms for promote

Verb

Another dinosaur has entered the luxury collectibles market, a reminder that even Earth’s deepest history can be sold to the highest bidder.

— Kristi Curry Rogers, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
The governor’s September 2020 order directed the state to require all new cars and passenger trucks sold in the state after 2035 be zero-emission vehicles.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

Definition of sell

Verb

They are accused of encouraging dissent against the regime and were convicted of broad charges of corruption, CNN’s Isobel Yeung reports.

— Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
The Overland Park exhibition invited Black artists from across the Kansas City area to present work that reflected their identities, encouraging each artist to define themselves on their own terms.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

That dividing line is a growing source of concern for the town’s residents, whose economy largely depends on tourism and agriculture.

— Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
The award reinforced the engine’s role in the program while reflecting growing demand for compact propulsion systems across the defense sector.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026

Definition of grow

Verb

This test flight—the 13th full-scale Starship launch—is the second to use the Raptor 3 engine flying on SpaceX’s upgraded Starship Version 3 rocket.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
Bank of America upgrades ERock to buy from neutral The firm upgraded the power company on valuation.

— Michael Bloom, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Definition of upgrade

Verb

In these dark times, our collective joy and love needs to be documented, embraced and cultivated.

— Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
Mallorca cultivated a relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and sweeping sea views that encouraged us to slow down and truly unwind.

— Kasey Busiel, Vogue, 17 July 2026

Definition of cultivate

Verb

China’s energy resilience and its ability to quickly and cheaply produce goods for other nations have helped buffer some of the economic impact from the war in Iran.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
In addition to Bridges, artists Lydia Kitto and J Lloyd produced the album.

— Brayden Garcia July 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of promote

verb

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