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
The Cop on a Rooftop promotion encourages Dunkin’s customers to contribute to the charity via incentives and special deals.
—
Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
The adjustments do address the lift and coast concerns raised and encourage flat-out racing, and the maximum duration of superclipping has been impacted.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 1 May 2026
The problem is that outside of Reaves and James, there is very little to be encouraged by from the Lakers.
—David Troy, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
To streamline the process, Little is encouraging voters to study their sample ballot, which can be found on the My Voter Page platform, before heading out to the polls.
—Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
The adjustments do address the lift and coast concerns raised and encourage flat-out racing, and the maximum duration of superclipping has been impacted.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 1 May 2026
The problem is that outside of Reaves and James, there is very little to be encouraged by from the Lakers.
—David Troy, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
To streamline the process, Little is encouraging voters to study their sample ballot, which can be found on the My Voter Page platform, before heading out to the polls.
—Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encourage
Verb
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That feeling of being seen and understood stayed with her, ultimately inspiring Henson to commit to a career as a nurse and to offer the same reassurance to her own patients.—
Nancy Badertscher,
AJC.com,
7 May 2026
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Kaneda’s core concept that Japan should focus more on quality than overwhelming force would inspire the Yamato and Mushashi in the 1930s.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
Verb
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In Chicago local officials were at Laury Bride Bridal Shop in Bronzeville to promote their initiatives in help small businesses succeed.—
CBS Chicago Team,
CBS News,
4 May 2026
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Cerda says this Latino wealth gap report is important because the immigration crackdown of undocumented Latino people leads to uncertainty about their futures, the inability to be promoted or to apply for other jobs because of their undocumented status, which ultimately harms Texas’ economy.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 May 2026
Verb
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The Declaration’s insurrectionist contention—that people, when unjustly provoked, have the right to dissolve their government—hung heavily in a country that had just witnessed the eleven states of the Confederacy make the same argument.—
Jelani Cobb,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchéz, are honorary chairs and lead sponsors of the gala — which has provoked an activist group to call for a boycott of the event.—
Ivy Buck,
NPR,
4 May 2026
Verb
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But Sam Schoenburg, a member of the 19th Police District Council, also on the North Side, urged aldermen to move ahead with the vote.—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
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While there have been no reports of illness, authorities urge people to contact a health care provider for any concerns.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
Verb
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Garelick and Frahm taught the initial American High course, helped shepherd the first draft, and continue to cultivate a strong working relationship between Syracuse University and American High.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
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Ayoud cultivated a deep appreciation of fashion history and the luxury industry early in life.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Coloring helps Kathy with her dementia, calming her anxiety and helping stimulate cognition.—
Janet W. Lee,
NPR,
7 May 2026
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Lion’s mane stimulates nerve growth factor and neurogenesis, enhances memory, focus, clarity and mood, and chaga mushrooms can enhance physical performance, oxygen utilization and give an endurance boost.—
Ryan Brennan
May 6,
Sacbee.com,
6 May 2026
Verb
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Emily tried to nudge her daughter closer, but Henley pivoted and ducked behind her legs.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
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The Dodgers’ social media team nudged Smith out of that public shell a bit this spring, in a spot promoting his bobblehead night, in which Smith nailed a deadpan delivery and a range of facial gestures.—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Mifa will also launch a series of closed-door workshops on artificial intelligence and private investment, aimed at fostering open discussion among industry professionals.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
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Ahead, Fields talks determination in pursuit of a dream, following your instincts and fostering relationships.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encourage. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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