promote

v.

1. To further

   forward, further, advance, encourage, support, help, aid, abet, assist, develop, back, uphold, champion, patronize, propagandize, advertise, publicize, urge, advocate, cultivate, improve, strengthen, push, bolster, boost, foster, nourish, nurture, subsidize, second, befriend, benefit, subscribe to, favor, expand, serve, subserve, better, avail, sell, lobby for, get behind*, plug*, tout*, hype*. *

   Antonyms discourage*, weaken*, enfeeble. *

2. To advance in rank

   raise, advance, elevate, graduate, move up, exalt, aggrandize, magnify, prefer, favor, increase, ascend, better, ennoble, dignify; kick upstairs*, up*.

   Antonyms humble*, demote*, reduce.

to promote is to help in the establishment, development, or success of something to promote good will; advance implies assistance in hastening the course of anything or in moving toward an objective to advance a project; forward emphasizes the idea of action as an impetus concessions were made to forward the pact; further emphasizes assistance in bringing a desired goal closer to further a cause