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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
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
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
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
-
Farther away from China lies an even more promising strategic opportunity.—
Linggong Kong,
The Conversation,
11 Apr. 2025
-
In Atlanta, the Georgia product could start next to Jessie Bates III, giving the Falcons one of the most promising safety duos in the league.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
For decades, Florida has drawn individuals from around the country looking to build a better life in a state known for its favorable tax climate, pro-business attitude and culture of freedom.—
Robert F. Mancuso,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2025
-
That would require a lengthy process involving legislative approval, a governor’s signoff, and a favorable vote from Broward County residents.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The Argentine manager is celebrated for creating and inspiring strong groups at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.—
Paul Tenorio,
The Athletic,
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
-
Also, an activation event promoting Meta Quest with an appearance by Jane Fonda promoting her new VR fitness series in West Hollywood has been canceled.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
8 Jan. 2025
-
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
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
The pistachios add a nice crunch and the fresh mint lends the bowl a refreshing, bright pop of flavor.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Being leaders at heart who pave their own path, a Sagittarius may be intrigued by the allure of retro decor's bright colors and funky designs.—
Isabella Milano,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share