emboldened

adjective

em·​bold·​ened im-ˈbōl-dənd 

: made bold or bolder : instilled with boldness, courage, or resolution

"This is the way it's gonna be," Stoddard announced. He had reason to feel emboldened. So far, Tom Murphy and Dan Burke had backed his every decision.

—Ken Auletta

If the participant moves toward the creature, it avoids contact. But if the person doesn't move, the emboldened sprite edges closer and finally lands on an outstretched hand.

—Ivars Peterson

Synonyms of emboldened

• adventurous
• daring
• bold
• courageous
• brave
• fearless

Examples of emboldened in a Sentence

not too surprisingly, rock climbing tends to attract the more emboldened seekers of outdoor adventure

Recent Examples on the Web

An Iranian regime left intact after this war, with control of the Strait of Hormuz and an emboldened IRGC capable of striking at will energy facilities, is their worst nightmare. —Becky Anderson, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026

What set this year apart was how readily an emboldened O’Brien — and the show around him — embraced Oscar traditions that past ceremonies have shied away from. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 Mar. 2026

What is clear is that Cepeda will lead the emboldened Historic Pact in its bid to return to the country’s highest office. —Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026

Officials in Lebanon think Israeli targeting neighborhoods like Hamiyeh could show an emboldened strategy -- the gloves are off. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined above