1
as in vows
to make a solemn declaration of intent
they promised to keep in touch with us after they moved away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in predicts
to show signs of a favorable or successful outcome
given the cast, the new sitcom promises to be an excellent show
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in pledges
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 promises
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 6 Jan. 2026
This year’s election cycle also promises to be another showdown of moneyed interests via dueling ballot measures, with those either increasing or decreasing taxes at the top of the heap.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
Season 8 promises more family drama amid the ongoing feud between Tammy and Amy.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
The blurb promises a one-last-job kind of story, fitting for the conclusion to a modern classic of the crime genre.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Rushdie’s sprawling picaresque is, as the title promises, a riff on Don Quixote.
—Erin Somers, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
Make no mistake, Malinin still promises to make the Milano Ice Skating Arena his own personal launch pad.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026
If a program promises to erase debt overnight or guarantees specific results, that's a red flag.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
After two divisive sequels, the latest game promises to take us back to the series' roots, letting players control four separate factions across more than 70 campaign missions.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Karl Vick, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
Calvo said two additional campaign promises will be addressed Tuesday, including tackling the high cost of water service and pushing for property tax cuts for residents 65 and older.
—Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
The Bruins signed Aspirot with no promises.
—Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Progress means delivering results, not promises.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
There's no shortage of beverages claiming to support your health, but not all of them live up to their promises.
—Andrea Strong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Jan. 2026
The author emphasizes that this represents meaningful action, in contrast to years of unfulfilled political promises to address foreign competition.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Indeed, democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani won the race to be mayor of New York City with promises to make housing, groceries and transportation more affordable.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
The trend, Morales said, should come as a giant, blinking warning sign for Republicans, who ran in 2024 on promises to decrease inflation and improve the cost of living for everyday Americans.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
Written and directed by Sarnoski, the film promises to offer a much darker take on the Robin Hood stories that explores the end of the character’s life.
—Noun
The two countries did made tentative overtures in the late 1990s, when Iranians were electing politicians on promises of greater personal freedom and openness.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for promises
Verb
-
But now, as Williams vows to spend the new tax money only on health care and seeks from the District Attorney’s Office some of the proportionately biggest county budget reduction targets, public safety advocates say they were misled.—
-
Speaking out against the horrors of war is the solemn oath anyone who puts their byline of any story vows to do.—
Verb
-
For now, Larry Hu, chief China economist at Macquarie, predicts home construction completions will fall by 12% in the year ahead, after a 17% drop last year.—
-
The National Weather Service predicts that the severe weather and tornado threat has ended for much of Oklahoma on Thursday, over Norman, Moore, Oklahoma City and Edmond, yet is not in the clear for cities east of the metro.—
Noun
-
New Year’s resolutions can be a helpful push toward progress, but many of us make the same pledges each year, with little success.—
-
Marharyta Fal / Frontliner via Getty Images Until recently, much of the allies’ focus was on pledges of military aid for Ukraine’s forces and possible contributions to an international reassurance force.—
Verb
-
Wildcat Mountain, New Hampshire In northern New Hampshire, Wildcat Mountain’s diehard following swears by its exciting terrain, stunning views of Mount Washington and the great White Mountain National Forest, and intimate, no-frills feel that makes winter-sport purists feel right at home.—
-
An InStyle writer swears by the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer for brightening her dark under-eye circles and acne marks.—
Verb
-
However, Yost warns that cheaper gutter guards might not be worth the investment.—
-
Inadequate moisture can lead to desiccation of the leaves, possible dieback, and, in extreme situations, death, Bunting warns.—
Verb
-
But Raevyn hints that her twin brother Finch is involved in the killings.—
-
Some early research hints that cold triggers parasympathetic activation (the body’s calming response), but most of the buzz here comes from anecdotal sources, not clinical trials.—
Verb
-
Netflix’s George Clooney vehicle is also showbiz-focused, which usually bodes well for its awards prospects.—
-
With the transition to 2026, the Year of the Horse bodes a different kind of energy, one marked by intense forward momentum, which sounds equal parts exciting and scary.—
Cite this Entry
“Promises.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/promises. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share