publicity

noun

pub·​lic·​i·​ty (ˌ)pə-ˈbli-sə-tē How to pronounce publicity (audio)
-ˈbli-stē
Synonyms of publicitynext
1
: the quality or state of being public
2
a
: an act or device designed to attract public interest
specifically : information with news value issued as a means of gaining public attention or support
b
: the dissemination of information or promotional material
c
: paid advertising
d
: public attention or acclaim

Synonyms of publicity

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Examples of publicity in a Sentence

His public appearances are good publicity for the new movie. An arrest for drunk driving is bad publicity for any celebrity. The film has gotten some good publicity. She has received a lot of publicity for her latest novel. The studio spent a lot of money on publicity for the movie.
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.
Chloë Walsh, co-founder of publicity firm The Oriel, points to the music bookers behind the scenes. — Maria Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 The eagle gift is a rare moment of publicity for the Brockmans’ charitable giving because it’s largely dedicated to political donations. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 As the controversy swirled, Treblo absorbed a surfeit of free publicity, with Fenix Flexin as its figurehead. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2026 The defense claimed the publicity caused key witnesses to refuse to testify. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for publicity

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin pūblicitāt-, pūblicitās, from Latin pūblicus public entry 1 + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of publicity was in 1609

Phrases Containing publicity

Rhymes for publicity

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Browse Nearby Words

publicist
publicity
publicity stunt
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Cite this Entry

“Publicity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/publicity. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

publicity

noun
pub·​lic·​i·​ty (ˌ)pə-ˈblis-ət-ē How to pronounce publicity (audio)
1
: the condition of being public or publicly known
2
: an act or device designed to attract public interest
especially : information with a news value designed to further the interests of a place, person, or cause
3
a
: an action that gains public attention
b
: the attention so gained

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