1
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope
encouraging signs that the economy is improving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in comforting
making one feel good inside
the encouraging story of a young girl who overcame great social and physical obstacles to become an outstanding athlete
Synonyms & Similar Words
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3
as in favorable
pointing toward a happy outcome
we're off to an encouraging start on this project
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in inspiring
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win
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2
as in promoting
to help the growth or development of
asserted that the government should be encouraging small businesses, not smothering them with regulations
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3
as in provoking
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
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4
as in urging
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encouraging
Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
The Nuggets feed off Jokic’s toughness and brilliance, which is what made Tuesday’s win encouraging.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Mar. 2026
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2026
In many cases, the scam relies on urgency and emotion, encouraging people to donate quickly before verifying the organization.
—Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
Right guard Dominick Puni had an encouraging rookie season but didn’t play well last year because of injuries.
—Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
The Nuggets feed off Jokic’s toughness and brilliance, which is what made Tuesday’s win encouraging.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
Saturn in your companionable 7th house is encouraging Pluto in your playful 5th house, so the energy of these cosmic powerhouses should be a little less hard to handle and a lot more fun!
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2026
In many cases, the scam relies on urgency and emotion, encouraging people to donate quickly before verifying the organization.
—Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
The nightmarish sequence spoiled a night that began with the Angels showing more promising signs at the plate.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Researchers have also observed promising improvements in metabolic markers and better preservation of lean muscle mass, says Burns.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Both Tehran and Washington are pushing their own comforting versions of reality.—
Newsweek Editors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Maybe the pretense was comforting to him, too.—
Cassandra Neyenesch,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Under this view, multimillionaires and billionaires could easily afford to relocate to more favorable tax jurisdictions, depriving governments of revenue.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
If winds increase in the afternoon, conditions could approach Red Flag criteria, meaning weather conditions are favorable for fires to start easily and spread fast.—
Robert A. Cronkleton
March 26,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Snow has been melting quickly, inspiring many ski resorts to close early.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Between the easy access, glorious lake views, and awe-inspiring light shows, this is a must-visit place to start or end the day.—
Brian Higgins,
Outside,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Several of her Instagram posts also included hashtags promoting Swift’s album.—
Joe Kottke,
NBC news,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Chestnut said in an Instagram story, promoting a clip from the Sunday, March 29, episode, in which Watson is reunited with Sherlock.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Those forces may give the president more leverage in his negotiations, but also risk fueling Tehran's resentment and provoking a harsher response, analysts say.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Women and girls are asked to imagine themselves as a river, provoking powerful reflection on the culture of gender in post-Soviet Asia.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
On Sunday morning, Haidar Abdul-Samad, deputy director of Basra’s Shalamcha border crossing with Iran, was on the phone with an Iranian official, complaining about electricity cuts that had halted trade, urging a quick resolution.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
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In a video lesson, psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk emphasizes the importance of compassion when interacting with trauma survivors, highlighting that seemingly negative behaviors may be coping mechanisms for deep emotional pain and urging us to consider their struggles before passing judgment.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Having undergone an extensive 2024 renovation, each of the 259 rooms (including 42 suites) are bright and airy, with textures and colors inspired by the Canadian landscape.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Beyer, who has a warm smile and bright-pink glasses, did not hide her satisfaction.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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