encourage

verb

en·cour·age | \in-ˈkər-ij,

-ˈkə-rij, en-\

encouraged; encouraging

Definition of encourage

transitive verb

1a : to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope : hearten she was encouraged to continue by her early success

b : to attempt to persuade : urge they encouraged him to go back to school

2 : to spur on : stimulate warm weather encourages plant growth

3 : to give help or patronage to : foster government grants designed to encourage conservation

Other Words from encourage Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about encourage

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Choose the Right Synonym for encourage

encourage, inspirit, hearten, embolden mean to fill with courage or strength of purpose. encourage suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency. the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts inspirit, somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something. patriots inspirited the people to resist hearten implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal. a hospital patient heartened by good news embolden implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance. emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb

Examples of encourage in a Sentence

They encouraged us in our work. Encourage each other with kind words. The program is meant to encourage savings. Warm weather encourages plant growth. He claims the new regulations will encourage investment. He claims the new regulations will encourage people to invest. We want to encourage students to read more. My parents encouraged me to go back to college. They encouraged her to go.

Recent Examples on the Web

Americans in the region, however, are encouraged to keep a low profile should the protests turn violent. — Editors, USA TODAY, "Trump visits Queen Elizabeth II, Wimbledon semifinals, Supermoon Solar Eclipse: 5 things to know Friday," 13 July 2018 The Olympics were previously reserved for Kolache Factory employees, but this year, customers were encouraged to participate. — Julian Gill, Houston Chronicle, "Katy father of two wins coveted prize for kolache creation," 13 July 2018 Homeowners are encouraged to reach out to the nonprofit for help. — Katrease Stafford, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit home tax foreclosures: Why they've dropped dramatically," 13 July 2018 Over the last two days, in England, fans were encouraged to go to work on Wednesday wearing waistcoats in honor of the team’s manager, Gareth Southgate. — Rory Smith, New York Times, "Four Countries. Two Games. One Goal.," 12 July 2018 Anyone with information is encouraged to call Phoenix Police Department at 602-534-2121. — Kimberly Rapanut, azcentral, "85-year-old Phoenix man goes missing; Silver Alert issued," 12 July 2018 Organizations interested in participating in the social media platform email are encouraged to email devcoord@milwaukee.gov or leave a message with the Workforce Development Office at (414) 286-3552. — Ahmed Elbenni, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Aldermen unveil new app to help combat unemployment in Milwaukee," 12 July 2018 Due to the crowds of spectators, individuals are encouraged to arrive a half hour before sunset to find a space suitable for viewing Manhattanhenge. — Renae Reints, Fortune, "This Is Your Last Chance to Experience Manhattanhenge in 2018," 12 July 2018 The therapists have a background in treating trauma and aren’t required to have experience treating veterans but are encouraged to participate in training about military culture, said Nancy Rice, chief operating officer. — courant.com, "Veterans’ Families Also Suffer From The Wounds Of War," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'encourage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.