promising

1 of 2

adjective

prom·​is·​ing ˈprä-mə-siŋ How to pronounce promising (audio)
Synonyms of promisingnext
: full of promise : likely to succeed or to yield good results
a promising new medicine
promisingly adverb

promising

2 of 2

present participle of promise entry 2

Synonyms of promising

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Adjective

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Examples of promising in a Sentence

Adjective The neighborhood didn't look very promising. a promising writer who just may write the great American novel someday
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Transplants of muscle stem cells are a promising avenue for research, having distinct advantages over other tissues in their ability to encourage the growth of new blood vessels and limitations on rapid growth. — Mike McRae 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 Not a promising recipe for anyone looking for long-term employment in the Premier League. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026 In Alabama, Brown said lawmakers have started asking about Food is Medicine — a promising sign in a deep-red state. — Lauren Chan, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026 From these arrangements, the mathematician picked out the ones that looked most promising. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for promising

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of promising was in 1594

Rhymes for promising

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Browse Nearby Words

promise (someone) the stars/moon/earth/world
promising
promissor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Promising.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/promising. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

promising

adjective
prom·​is·​ing
ˈpräm-ə-siŋ
: likely to turn out well
a promising student
promisingly
-siŋ-lē
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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