1
as in to inspire
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to promote
to help the growth or development of
asserted that the government should be encouraging small businesses, not smothering them with regulations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the movie's cheap special effects will not encourage audiences to sit on the edge of their seats but to roll in the aisles with laughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to urge
to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action
the pastor continues to encourage the couple to work out their problems in hopes of saving their marriage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encourage
Foster relationships by encouraging collaboration, recognizing contributions and making space for real conversations, not just work talk.
—
Erin Stafford, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Torres hopes their work will encourage and inspire more students across San Jose to get involved in protests.
—Antara Gangwal, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
The president also encouraged Republicans to vote early.
—Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025
Trump argued the tariffs would encourage foreign car producers to move production into the United States and boost jobs in the long run.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Erin Stafford, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Torres hopes their work will encourage and inspire more students across San Jose to get involved in protests.
—Antara Gangwal, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
The president also encouraged Republicans to vote early.
—Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025
Trump argued the tariffs would encourage foreign car producers to move production into the United States and boost jobs in the long run.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encourage
Verb
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Employees expect to understand why an assignment is given and inspired to do the right thing, rather than follow instructions blindly.—
Martin Zwilling,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
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This year, for the first time in 44 years, the designers will also be creating botanical art inspired by architecture.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
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In the state legislature, Fine promoted bills on school choice, immigration, combating antisemitism and other issues.—
Oren Oppenheim,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2025
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The acid works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, which in turns promotes cell turnover.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Perhaps no pop song of the 2010s provoked so much debate — even from sympathetic listeners.—
Kristen S. Hé,
Vulture,
19 Mar. 2025
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The comments provoked a public spat on X between the tech billionaire and several current and retired astronauts.—
NBC News,
NBC News,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Don’t Stay In Environments That Don’t Support Gender Parity Dr. Thomas urges women to assess whether staying in toxic environments is worth the emotional toll.—
Gena Cox,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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If there is an emergency, the FBI urges people to call local law enforcement or 911 immediately.—
Alexandra Koch,
Fox News,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Ultimately, Severance champions the idea that merging professional roles with personal identity is key to cultivating authentic leadership.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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Bezos has also been careful to cultivate social and financial ties with his family.—
Ashley Belanger,
Ars Technica,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Enhance Elasticity Enhances elasticity by deeply nourishing the skin and stimulating collagen production, which helps improve firmness and resilience.—
Sohaib Imtiaz,
Verywell Health,
21 Mar. 2025
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The exercise plate is designed to stimulate muscle contractions and boost your circulation, while also enhancing your mobility and balance.—
Christopher Murray,
Fox News,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Kansas erased an 11-point, second-half deficit and nudged ahead 65-64 on a follow shot by Storr with less than six minutes remaining.—
Kyle Hightower,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2025
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That followed a report Wednesday indicating that the consumer price rate had nudged lower as well, providing some welcome news amid concerns that the Trump tariffs would aggravate inflation.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Communities and families play an essential role in protecting Black boys and girls by fostering safe environments and encouraging open conversations about abuse, consent, and emotional well-being to break the cycle of violence.—
Essence,
Essence,
22 Mar. 2025
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Instead of fostering successful reintegration, state agencies undermine federal programs, prolong unemployment, and increase the likelihood of recidivism—all at public expense.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encourage. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.
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