a declaration that something will or will not be done, given, etc., by one

unkept political promises.

an express assurance on which expectation is to be based

promises that an enemy will not win.

something that has the effect of an express assurance; indication of what may be expected.

indication of future excellence or achievement

a writer who shows promise.

something that is promised.

to engage or undertake by promise (usually used with an infinitive or a clause as object)

She promised to go tomorrow.

to make a promise of (some specified act, gift, etc.)

to promise help.

to make a promise of something to (a specified person)

Promise me that you will come.

to afford ground for expecting

The sky promised a storm.

to engage to join in marriage.

to assure (used in emphatic declarations)

I won't go there again, I promise you that!

to afford ground for expectation (often fol. by well or fair )

His forthcoming novel promises well.

to make a promise.

noun

break , renege , hopelessness , impossibility

verb

break , renege , discourage

noun

affiance , affirmation , agreement , asseveration , assurance , avowal , betrothal , bond , commitment , compact , consent , contract , covenant , earnest , engagement , espousal , guarantee , insurance , marriage , oath , obligation , pact , parole , pawn , pledge , plight , profession , promissory note , sacred word , security , stipulation , swear , swearing , token , troth , undertaking , vow , warrant , warranty , word , word of honor , ability , aptitude , capability , capacity , encouragement , flair , good omen , outlook , potential , talent , guaranty , solemn word , iou , mutuality , quid pro quo , reciprocity , recognizance

verb

accede , affiance , affirm , agree , answer for , assent , asservate , assure , bargain , betroth , bind , commit , compact , consent , contract , covenant , cross heart , declare , engage , ensure , espouse , guarantee , hock * , insure , live up to , mortgage , obligate , pass , pawn * , pledge , plight , profess , say so , secure , stipulate , string along * , subscribe , swear , swear on bible , swear up and down , take an oath , undertake , underwrite , vouch , vow , warrant , augur , bespeak , betoken , bode , denote , encourage , forebode , foreshadow , foretoken , give hope , hint , hold out hope , hold probability , indicate , lead to expect , like , look , omen , portend , presage , seem likely , show signs of , suggest , ability , assurance , band , commitment , declaration , grant , oath , obligation , outlook , pawn , potential , redeem , troth , warranty , word