Synonym Chooser

How does the verb embolden differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of embolden are encourage, hearten, and inspirit. While all these words mean "to fill with courage or strength of purpose," embolden implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance.

emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb

When might encourage be a better fit than embolden?

While the synonyms encourage and embolden are close in meaning, encourage suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency.

the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts

When could hearten be used to replace embolden?

Although the words hearten and embolden have much in common, hearten implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal.

a hospital patient heartened by good news

When is inspirit a more appropriate choice than embolden?

The words inspirit and embolden are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inspirit, somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something.

patriots inspirited the people to resist

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of embolden Truly embolden the young players The Kings’ track record with this in 2024-25 was mixed. Eric Stephens, New York Times, 3 May 2025 Given the United States’ regional influence and rising anti-migrant sentiment in Latin America, the organization warned that other governments may adopt similar policies, further endangering Venezuelan refugees and emboldening the Maduro regime. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025 If India were to interfere with Pakistan’s downstream rights, that might embolden China to do the same. Hasan Ali, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Apr. 2025 In an op-ed in the British newspaper The Times, Hague wrote that U.S. threats to withdraw from Ukraine talks only emboldened Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for embolden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embolden
Verb
  • Consider trying one of these luxurious neck-tie blouses inspired by celebrities, below.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 15 May 2025
  • The commercial presents scenes, inspired by A’ja’s childhood, that resonate with many Black girls and women.
    Timeka Tounsel, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Goolsbee’s remarks suggest he’s encouraged by the trade truce with China, a separate 90-day pause on double-digit tariffs on other nations, and soft inflation readings for both March and April.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Trump was in the Middle Eastern country Tuesday along with several tech CEO’s to encourage further investment.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Embolden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embolden. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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