1
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope
encouraging signs that the economy is improving
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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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
Christine Pelisek, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Though the results are encouraging, experts caution that the study is small and more research is needed to understand elderberry juice's true effect on weight.
—Hannah Singleton, Health, 29 Jan. 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
And that's encouraging, and that's really a step one, because nothing was gonna happen until that changed.
—Christine Pelisek, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Though the results are encouraging, experts caution that the study is small and more research is needed to understand elderberry juice's true effect on weight.
—Hannah Singleton, Health, 29 Jan. 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
-
Spencer Lane was a promising figure skating talent with Olympic dreams.—
Susan Young,
People.com,
31 Jan. 2025
-
Although promising, other research has found that drinking five cups of black tea daily did not significantly impact cholesterol levels.16 Theobromine: Theobromine is a compound in black tea with potential heart health benefits.—
Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN,
Verywell Health,
31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
All indications suggest the industry expects the Trump administration to be favorable toward autonomous trucking.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
3 Feb. 2025
-
Forty-three percent of voters have a favorable opinion of the Republican Party.—
Steve Peoples,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Feb. 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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That is the motto of your presidency: the best and the brightest, the most intelligent, coming into these spaces.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
2 Feb. 2025
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Last month, the most glamorous time of the year officially kicked off when Hollywood’s best and brightest took to the red carpet at The Beverly Hilton Hotel for the 82nd annual Golden Globes Awards.—
Averi Baudler,
People.com,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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And many presidents mentioned the uniquely rewarding aspects of being leaders in higher education in reflective discussions throughout the Summit.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
TIME,
4 Feb. 2025
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It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, filled with collaboration, creativity, and fresh insights.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
3 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near encouraging
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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