encouraging

adjective

en·​cour·​ag·​ing in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ 

-ˈkə-ri-, 

en-

: giving hope or promise

encouraging news

encouragingly

in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ-lē 

-ˈkə-ri-, 

en-

adverb

Synonyms of encouraging

• promising
• bright
• optimistic

Examples of encouraging in a Sentence

We've just heard some encouraging news.

encouraging signs that the economy is improving

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps the most encouraging figure came outside the trophy end of the market. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026

But the opportunity to grab more shares might come knocking again if an encouraging report Wednesday is met with more profit-taking. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 14 July 2026

The company, according to Goddard, did not respond until the day before the contract was set to expire with a letter of intent, which LAPD viewed as encouraging, but not enforceable. — Nathaniel Percy, Daily News, 14 July 2026

In the years since, Becenti said, the data has painted a more accurate and encouraging picture. — Savannah Peters, Fortune, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for encouraging

• discouraging