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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in favorable
pointing toward a happy outcome
we're off to an encouraging start on this project
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 28 May 2026
The numbers tell an encouraging story.
—Nigel Morris, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
The city should streamline permitting and reduce barriers for startups, especially for flexible office, lab, and maker spaces, while encouraging more affordable and adaptable workspaces downtown.
—Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
While welcoming these encouraging headlines on the war, this is hardly an all-clear sign.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 28 May 2026
The numbers tell an encouraging story.
—Nigel Morris, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
The Solana Beach City Council received an update May 27 about the climate action plan, including a public interface to show various metrics in how the city is making progress, a pollinator garden at City Hall and encouraging city events to be zero-waste.
—Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
The city should streamline permitting and reduce barriers for startups, especially for flexible office, lab, and maker spaces, while encouraging more affordable and adaptable workspaces downtown.
—Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
Although the data is still being analysed, Zhang Tongjie believes SETI remains one of the most promising approaches for detecting extraterrestrial life.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
31 May 2026
-
Whitmer was once considered among the Democratic Party’s most promising national figures.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Bereaved individuals have often told me that hearing other people’s memories of the person who died can be deeply comforting.—
Julie Kaplow,
USA Today,
30 May 2026
-
The show's plot revolves around tropes that are intentionally comforting and formulaic—fake dating, jock meets girl next door, and opposites attract—and evidently, the styling follows suit.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
27 May 2026
Adjective
-
Each time the former Iowa standout was on the floor in the first half, the Valkyries attempted to force favorable switches on Clark and constantly took her to the rim.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
-
Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone air pollution in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Friday.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
The film is a record-breaker at the box office, with strong word of mouth attracting a steady stream of viewers and inspiring a deluge of fan edits and comedy skits.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
The series tells the story of how an unfancied Brazil side went on a historic journey to win its third World Cup – earning the right to put a third star on team jerseys and inspiring the title.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Three researchers, two of whom have since gone on to bigger and better successes, Vinay Prasad and Tracey Beth Hoeg, explained in detail how committed the CDC was to promoting masks.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
-
That includes signs and, yes, hats, t-shirts, buttons, stickers or other clothing promoting a particular candidate or initiative.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
The Lounge hosts rotating art exhibits, spotlighting thought-provoking pieces like ceramics from Thai artist Bathma Kaew-Ngok and showstopping floral arrangements by Naomi Daimaru.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
For years, people took photos of themselves on the 666 to Hel and shared them on social media, relishing the coincidence of a bus to a beach resort provoking mental images of damnation, thanks to the similarity of the town's name to the English word hell.—
Anna Noryskiewicz,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Talarico is a threat to Texas and will raise more money than any other Democrat in America, Paxton said, urging his supporters to donate to his campaign.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 May 2026
-
Since Thomas's death, David Parfett has become an advocate for change, urging more rigorous legislation to confront online spaces that guide people toward harm.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
Adjective
-
In braids and a bright yellow fishing bib, with her dog Claude at her side and a witty interjection always on the tip of her tongue, Maude climbs onto her trusty little boat and sets a course for the open sea.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
-
Durable enough to handle the elements, this waterproof light features a comfortable elastic strap and a bright, adjustable beam that improves visibility while keeping both hands free for unloading luggage, handling car repairs, or setting up camp in the dark.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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