1
as in to inspire
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to promote
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 to provoke
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 to urge
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
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Recent Examples of encourage
This humble abode is the product of a new Keller ISD program that encourages students to gain real-world skills before entering the working world.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026
Anything more than that encourages flippers and gives the company a weak shareholder base.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 12 June 2026
This gave rise to generative engine optimization (GEO), the practice of structuring content in a way that encourages generative AI to find, summarize and cite that content.
—Kurt Allen, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Speaking between ballots, Tafoya repeatedly reminded delegates about the importance of winning the general election, while Schwarze encouraged them not to compromise their principles.
—Jay Gabler, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026
Anything more than that encourages flippers and gives the company a weak shareholder base.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 12 June 2026
This gave rise to generative engine optimization (GEO), the practice of structuring content in a way that encourages generative AI to find, summarize and cite that content.
—Kurt Allen, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Speaking between ballots, Tafoya repeatedly reminded delegates about the importance of winning the general election, while Schwarze encouraged them not to compromise their principles.
—Jay Gabler, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encourage
Verb
-
Thomas Tuchel was appointed with the simple task of coaching England to a World Cup win, and England showed early signs of his tactical acumen, but also his ability to inspire his players.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
-
Serving East African street food inspired by husband-and-wife owners Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere’s native Burundi, Waka delivers African flavors in small bites.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Verb
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When the company launched Fox One, its new subscription streaming service aimed at cord cutters, Murdoch forbid the company from promoting the outlet to traditional TV audiences, a bid to ensure the new platform wouldn’t upset its relationships with cable and video distributors.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
15 June 2026
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Tom Holland and Zendaya made promoting their new movie look like a casual date moment.—
Angeline Jane Bernabe,
ABC News,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
15 June 2026
-
Butler had pleaded guilty to harassment likely to provoke violence, felon in possession of a weapon and theft in Alaska, but did not report to jail.—
Jen Guadarrama,
IndyStar,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
The pair also urged the clinic to disclose any discrepancies in parentage.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
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A smoke advisory was issued for a broad swath of East Los Angeles, with members of the public urged to limit outdoor exercise and those with health issues to remain indoors.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Business owners still need to make difficult decisions, cultivate relationships with employees and customers, and create accountability inside their organizations.—
Scott Byrne,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
In his regular visits to Nuuk, Horn has spent much of his time cultivating relationships with business leaders and politicians like Pele Broberg, leader of the pro-independence Naleraq party, who has made no secret of their meetings.—
Joshua Hunt,
Vanity Fair,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
The mature, honest dialogue offers a sense of resolve, ushering you into a pleasant space that stimulates you to nurture yourself.—
Lisa Stardust,
Vogue,
18 June 2026
-
Red light is mitochondrially stimulating, so late-night use can disrupt sleep.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
The nurturing Moon enters your 6th House of Daily Routine, nudging you to set a clear calendar block that protects your focus.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
11 June 2026
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The same engine that nudges one shopper up can hand another a discount to close a wavering sale.—
Dara-Abasi Ita,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
There are plenty of other factors that go into fostering belief in a team.—
Rustin Dodd,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
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As shopping habits and community needs have evolved, the market has continued to adapt, while staying true to its mission of supporting local businesses and fostering meaningful connections.—
Chuck Fieldman,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encourage. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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