self-promotion

noun

self-pro·​mo·​tion ˌself-prə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce self-promotion (audio)
plural self-promotions
: the act of furthering one's own growth, advancement, or prosperity : the promotion of oneself
didn't try to disguise his self-promotion
self-promoter
ˌself-prə-ˈmō-tər How to pronounce self-promotion (audio)
noun
plural self-promoters
a self-promoter who never mentioned his teammates in interviews
They both worked tirelessly on the project and never thought about bringing attention to themselves. They weren't self-promoters … —Jim Lambert
self-promoting
ˌself-prə-ˈmō-tiŋ How to pronounce self-promotion (audio)
adjective
self-promoting speeches
a self-promoting celebrity/politician

Examples of self-promotion in a Sentence

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.
Trump seems to see it as a chance for nationalistic pride—and self-promotion. — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 11 June 2026 His career has not been defined by self-promotion or ideological grandstanding. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2026 Just as important, John Larson has never confused public service with self-promotion. — Readers Speak, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026 Their birthday plans reflect their personalities — and the shifting politics of the moment, as brash self-promotion has become a political asset. — Cleve R. Wootson Jr, Washington Post, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-promotion

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-promotion was in 1653

Rhymes for self-promotion

See All Rhymes for self-promotion

Browse Nearby Words

self-professed
self-promotion
self-propelled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-promotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-promotion. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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