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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encouraging
Kennington Smith Iii, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
For Della Volpe, from the Harvard Kennedy School, the governors’ announcements are encouraging.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC News, 24 Mar. 2025
Daniel Markind, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
That same week before Christmas, politically inclined businessman Willie Wilson was at Cook County Jail with a bunch of pastors, encouraging the incarcerated to find a new path, make better choices and never return once they are released.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
But the most encouraging development is that Formby is taking ownership of his role.
—Kennington Smith Iii, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
For Della Volpe, from the Harvard Kennedy School, the governors’ announcements are encouraging.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC News, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
That results in Canada trying to cut interest rates to stimulate the economy while America has not needed to, encouraging investment in American bonds.
—Daniel Markind, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
That same week before Christmas, politically inclined businessman Willie Wilson was at Cook County Jail with a bunch of pastors, encouraging the incarcerated to find a new path, make better choices and never return once they are released.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
One of the most promising applications is workforce assistance, particularly in industries facing labor shortages, such as healthcare.—
Melody Brue,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
-
The bottom of the Jezero Crater – believed to have formed 3.9 billion years ago from a massive impact – is considered to be among the most promising areas on Mars to search for evidence of ancient life.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Negotiate favorable purchase prices, set competitive rental rates and minimize vacancy periods through effective property management.—
Ryan Barone,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
The assumption is the Wolves won’t be able to do that in each of their final five games, even with one of the league’s most favorable remaining schedules.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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And the art of delegation requires inspiring direction, enabling resources, empowering authority, and credible accountability.—
George Bradt,
Forbes,
30 Dec. 2024
-
Princess Diana’s style is still inspiring generations.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
People.com,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Meanwhile Russia is promoting drone awareness in children in other ways, down to children’s cartoons in which characters use their videogame skills to pilot drones delivering toys.—
David Hambling,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
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The simple and accessible name is helping the brand and its followers create a one-of-a-kind community on all social media platforms, empowering innovative voices to join together in promoting hair health online.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
USA TODAY,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Yet when North Korea invaded South Korea, the United States intervened forcefully, pushing up to the Chinese border and provoking a ferocious Chinese counterattack.—
Michael Beckley,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
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In 2008, the United States suggested that Georgia and Ukraine might eventually join the alliance but offered no concrete path to membership, thus provoking Russia without effectively deterring it.—
Michael Beckley,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In 2023, a billboard displaying Graves' photo was placed near the festival site, urging attendees to provide any information to authorities.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
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With declining tax revenues, the Kremlin is urging war-profiteering oligarchs to bear more of the burden.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Both O’Mara and McMahon believe that Pickle has a bright future ahead.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Apr. 2025
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The trailer unfolded to the atmospheric music of Nine Inch Nails and overflows with atmospheric details — bright red bikes race down highways, slicing cop cars in half.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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For Tamie, one of the most rewarding aspects of this experience has been setting an example for her son Leo, who was present during their initial encounter with Betty.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Encouraging feedback, rewarding loyal customers and engaging with them in meaningful ways can turn happy users into powerful brand advocates.—
Deboshree Sarkar,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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