promote

American  

[pruh-moht] / prəˈmoʊt /

verb (used with object)

promoted, promoting

1. to help or encourage to exist or flourish; further.

   to promote world peace.

   Synonyms:

   support, help, assist, advance, forward, back, abet

   Antonyms:

   obstruct, discourage

2. to advance in rank, dignity, position, etc. (opposed to demote).

   Synonyms:

   exalt, raise, elevate

   Antonyms:

   abase, degrade, demote

3. Education. to put ahead to the next higher stage or grade of a course or series of classes.

4. to aid in organizing (business undertakings).

5. to encourage the sales, acceptance, etc., of (a product), especially through advertising or other publicity.

6. Informal. to obtain (something) by cunning or trickery; wangle.

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promote British  

/ prəˈməʊt /

verb

1. to further or encourage the progress or existence of

2. to raise to a higher rank, status, degree, etc

3. to advance (a pupil or student) to a higher course, class, etc

4. to urge the adoption of; work for

   to promote reform

5. to encourage the sale of (a product) by advertising or securing financial support

6. chess to exchange (a pawn) for any piece other than a king when the pawn reaches the 8th rank

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Other Word Forms

• prepromote verb (used with object)
• promotability noun
• promotable adjective
• promotion noun
• promotional adjective
• self-promoting adjective
• unpromotable adjective
• unpromoted adjective

Etymology

Origin of promote

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English promoten, from Latin prōmōtus, past participle of prōmovēre “to move forward, advance”; see pro- ¹, motive

Explanation

If you work for a marketing firm, your job is to promote new products — to publicize them and to try to get the public to buy them. The verb promote can also mean to advance to a higher position. Because of your hard work, your boss might decide to promote you. In school, passing students are promoted each year when they enter a higher grade. In chess, the verb promote is used when a pawn is exchanged for a higher ranking piece. Make sure you promote your pawn to a queen, giving you two queens on the board and a strong advantage in the game.

Example Sentences

Mr. Rahe also errs on tariffs’ ability to promote manufacturing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

He wanted to spread peace and understanding, and to promote a positive image of his faith in the media.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

Nitu believes there has been effort from the council to promote healthier lifestyles, adding: "We just need to go that one step further."

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

It’s not every year that politicians enthusiastically promote Tax Day.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

In January 2006 Gotham’s creator, Joel Greenblatt, had gone on television to promote a book and, when asked to name his favorite “value investors,” had extolled the virtues of a rare talent named Mike Burry.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• advance
• advertise
• advocate
• benefit
• bolster
• boost
• build up
• cooperate
• develop
• encourage
• endorse
• further
• improve
• popularize
• publicize
• push
• push for
• sell
• soft sell
• speed