encouraging
adjective
en·cour·ag·ing
in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ 
-ˈkə-ri-,
en-
: giving hope or promise
encouraging news
Synonyms
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
That’s why the rapidly evolving counter-drone technology sector is so critical and encouraging.
—
Jeff Wong, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023
Fans got a chance to see Sandoval get emotional in last week’s episode of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test when his mother shared her encouraging words.
—Lanford Beard, Peoplemag, 28 Nov. 2023
An encouraging detail: More than 60 percent of Bread’s medical patients met their blood pressure targets.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 12 Nov. 2023
The European Union’s executive arm recommended on Wednesday that the bloc open membership talks with Ukraine, an encouraging step for the government in Kyiv in what remains a long and arduous joining process.
—Monika Pronczuk, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2023
The signs, city officials said, were both encouraging and a reminder of the challenges to come.
—Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023
For those wondering if now is a good time to retire, here’s some encouraging news: The 4% rule is back.
—Anne Tergesen, WSJ, 13 Nov. 2023
Their material composition alone casted a doubt on the quality, and the first try-on experiences did not seem encouraging.
—Shelcy Joseph, Essence, 10 Nov. 2023
There’s more encouraging progress in the effort to lighten up wine by reducing the weight of bottles.
—Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023
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Jeff Wong, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023
Fans got a chance to see Sandoval get emotional in last week’s episode of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test when his mother shared her encouraging words.
—Lanford Beard, Peoplemag, 28 Nov. 2023
An encouraging detail: More than 60 percent of Bread’s medical patients met their blood pressure targets.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 12 Nov. 2023
The European Union’s executive arm recommended on Wednesday that the bloc open membership talks with Ukraine, an encouraging step for the government in Kyiv in what remains a long and arduous joining process.
—Monika Pronczuk, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2023
The signs, city officials said, were both encouraging and a reminder of the challenges to come.
—Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023
For those wondering if now is a good time to retire, here’s some encouraging news: The 4% rule is back.
—Anne Tergesen, WSJ, 13 Nov. 2023
Their material composition alone casted a doubt on the quality, and the first try-on experiences did not seem encouraging.
—Shelcy Joseph, Essence, 10 Nov. 2023
There’s more encouraging progress in the effort to lighten up wine by reducing the weight of bottles.
—Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'encouraging.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1593, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near encouraging
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encouraging. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on encouraging
Nglish: Translation of encouraging for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of encouraging for Arabic Speakers
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