encouraging

adjective

en·​cour·​ag·​ing in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ How to pronounce encouraging (audio)
-ˈkə-ri-, 
en-
Synonyms of encouragingnext
: giving hope or promise
encouraging news
encouragingly
in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ-lē How to pronounce encouraging (audio)
-ˈkə-ri-, 
en-
adverb

Synonyms of encouraging

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the same time, there are encouraging signs that progress is already taking hold. — Keith Brooks, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 The newly independent FedEx Freight checks that box, as does Honeywell Technologies , which delivered an encouraging earnings report on Thursday morning. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 23 July 2026 The Cincinnati studies enrolled 30 and 33 participants respectively, small samples that produced encouraging but preliminary results. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026 Jackie showing signs of strength despite serious condition There was some encouraging news Wednesday. — Rene Ray De La Cruz, USA Today, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for encouraging

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of encouraging was in 1593

Rhymes for encouraging

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Browse Nearby Words

encourager
encouraging
Encratism
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Cite this Entry

“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encouraging. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on encouraging

Nglish: Translation of encouraging for Spanish Speakers

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