promise 1 of 2

verb

Definition of promisenext
1
as in to vow
to make a solemn declaration of intent they promised to keep in touch with us after they moved away

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to predict
to show signs of a favorable or successful outcome given the cast, the new sitcom promises to be an excellent show

Synonyms & Similar Words

promise

2 of 2

noun

ˈprä-məs How to pronounce promise (audio)
as in vow
a person's solemn declaration that he or she will do or not do something he made a promise to arrive on time, come hell or high water

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 promise
Verb
That’s starting to change, however, as drugmakers roll out new options that promise similar results in pill form, or longer stretches between doses. — Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 Anker’s SleepLab speaker promises to track and enhance sleep without a wearable. — Thomas Ricker, The Verge, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
Such plans are contrary to Indonesia’s promises to cut its use of coal, the most heavily polluting major fossil fuel and a significant source of planet-warming emissions. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 The promise of prediction markets was their potential to offer clarity. — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for promise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for promise
  1. vow
  2. predict
  3. pledge
  4. swear
  5. warn
  6. hint
  7. anticipate
Verb
  • House Democratic leadership is vowing repercussions for two centrists who blindsided Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) by joining with Republicans on Tuesday to force a vote on condemning socialism.
    — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026
  • But the Venezuela deal further stretches the bounds of its mandate, involving oil instead of a classic critical technology, and has already prompted Democrats to vow to investigate.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of vow
Verb
  • Malkovich’s turn as Chris, the eccentric and aging veteran, already has awards prognosticators predicting his return to the Oscars race.
    — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Last week’s guest subscriber, Manchester United fan Matt from London, predicted six correct results out of 10 to send the readers to the top of the table.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of predict
Noun
  • But neither opponents nor his own Labour Party legislators have been able to grill him on the details of pledges made against the tough backdrop of mounting security challenges and economic pressure from the Iran war.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • After receiving help from charities, churches and people, the couple made a pledge to always give back.
    — Dylan Sherman, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of pledge
Verb
  • Some fitness enthusiasts swear that working out on an empty stomach burns more fat, while others insist that eating beforehand is essential for maximizing energy and performance.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • After founding Jala in Florida five years ago, swearing it would not be a cookie-cutter Indian restaurant, Maax has decided to open a location in the KC metro.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of swear
Verb
  • The voices warning about the risks of artificial intelligence grow louder, more urgent and increasingly credible every day.
    — Henry M. Paulson Jr, Washington Post, 3 Sep. 2026
  • On Tuesday, Zelenskyy ominously warned airlines in Russia that the risks could continue.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of warn
Verb
  • The State Department has hinted that that funding was a direct quid pro quo for accepting deportees.
    — Mick Krever, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The fact Dodson and Gay played in the preseason finale hints that they could be released this weekend.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of hint
Verb
  • The arch will disturb the sightline between more landmarks than anticipated, the report said.
    — Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Reliable, independent government reporting is an important part of the information infrastructure businesses use to understand labor supply, anticipate change and make workforce decisions.
    — Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of anticipate

Browse Nearby Words

promiscuously
promise
promised
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Promise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/promise. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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