Synonyms of embolden

embolden

verb

im-ˈbōl-dən 

as in to inspire

to fill with courage or strength of purpose

his poor showing in his first swim meet just emboldened him to train even harder

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inspire
• encourage
• hearten
• reinforce
• inspirit
• bear up
• buoy (up)
• stimulate
• invigorate
• steel
• cheer (up)
• enliven
• provoke
• reassure
• strengthen
• enforce
• animate
• reenforce
• buck up
• energize
• chirk (up)
• excite
• assure
• galvanize
• fortify
• stir
• rally
• quicken
• boost

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourage
• daunt
• dishearten
• undermine
• depress
• weaken
• demoralize
• sadden
• dispirit
• intimidate
• debilitate
• enfeeble
• hamstring
• psych (out)

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

Recent Examples of embolden

Some of those in the former category who are still alive thus are most likely newly emboldened. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025

The pro-Russia strategy, exemplified by Trump’s failure to follow through with his threat of additional sanctions against Russia in its war with Ukraine, has emboldened Putin. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2025

As Iran moves to leverage intelligence gathered on Israeli facilities, and the U.S. refrains from endorsing military escalation, the situation threatens to widen the gulf between allies and embolden hardliners in both countries. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025

Threats to kill Iran’s leader will harden Tehran’s position, embolden hardliners, and complicate efforts to reach a diplomatic solution. —Jason D. Greenblatt, semafor.com, 18 June 2025