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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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
Carlo Koos, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
In many ways the most encouraging sign for the stock market has been the S&P 500’s ability to rebound without big tech companies leading, according to George Maris, chief investment officer and global head of equities at Principal Asset Management.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 19 May 2025
Emma Bowman, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
There is a free version of Microsoft Teams that Microsoft is encouraging its Skype users to utilize.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
In this regard, the fact that reading even a single brief news story had any effect is encouraging.
—Carlo Koos, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
In many ways the most encouraging sign for the stock market has been the S&P 500’s ability to rebound without big tech companies leading, according to George Maris, chief investment officer and global head of equities at Principal Asset Management.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 19 May 2025
Verb
For weeks, the movement's organizers have been encouraging people to boycott the EV maker by selling their Tesla cars and stocks.
—Emma Bowman, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
There is a free version of Microsoft Teams that Microsoft is encouraging its Skype users to utilize.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
If anything, the research holds some promising takeaways for people.—
Jamie Ducharme,
Health,
20 May 2025
-
The idea the experience sparks — a titillating rendezvous with the naked man at the bottom of her sake glass, Jane would never — is enough to kickstart her writing, at least to spit out some very promising pages.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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And to make matters even more favorable for Indiana, the Knicks looked a little worn out.—
Shakeia Taylor,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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The pressure to deliver favorable outcomes for clients can lead to chronic stress and anxiety.—
Raquel Gomes,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Verb
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The song became Lennon’s bestselling recording as a solo artist, even as Ono’s role in inspiring and writing it was initially uncredited.—
Barbara Spindel,
The Christian Science Monitor,
24 Mar. 2025
-
This provides visibility and recognition for women’s contributions while showcasing their achievements and inspiring others.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
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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This will deepen the divide between the global North and South on issues of race and cultural difference, straining the West’s diplomatic relations with countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America while provoking broader resentment toward Western countries seen as perpetuating racial hierarchies.—
Matias Spektor,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Federal officials had issued a warning to local law enforcement agencies some two weeks before the attack urging them to be vigilant about similar incidents.—
Jakob Rodgers,
The Mercury News,
3 Jan. 2025
-
AccuWeather experts are urging travelers to avoid unnecessary travel and to prepare for significant disruptions this weekend.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But for those with the skill and will to change theirs, the weather looks much brighter.—
John Readman,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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While cruises claimed over half of Greenland’s total tourism numbers in 2023, the future looks bright for air travel.—
Katherine Alex Beaven,
Smithsonian Magazine,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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The practical-meets-playful piece anchors the living room, a space Dazey says was the trickiest — but ultimately most rewarding — to bring together.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
22 May 2025
-
The future of bill payments lies in fostering seamless, rewarding and inclusive financial interactions that keep pace with changing expectations.—
Rick Watkin,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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