EMBOLDENED Synonyms: 174 Similar and Opposite Words

emboldened 1 of 2

adjective

im-ˈbōl-dənd

Definition of emboldened

as in adventurous

inclined or willing to take risks not too surprisingly, rock climbing tends to attract the more emboldened seekers of outdoor adventure

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

emboldened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of embolden

as in inspired

to fill with courage or strength of purpose his poor showing in his first swim meet just emboldened him to train even harder

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 emboldened

Adjective

These two realities—of emboldened puritanism and abundant openness—clash in confounding ways. — Sophia Nguyen, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026 Sunday on Centre Court, Sinner defended his Wimbledon title, fending off an emboldened Alexander Zverev after dropping the first set to win 6-7(2), 7-6(7), 6-3, 6-4. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 12 July 2026

Verb

Huck’s success emboldened Twain and Webster to expand as a full-fledged publishing house. — Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026 The United States’ drop in credibility has also emboldened many American adversaries to push ahead with initiatives that would have been unthinkable 10 years ago, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz being the prime example. — Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emboldened

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emboldened

Adjective

The Moon enters adventurous Leo, stirring your interest in travel, education, or an idea that could expand your options.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
Until that point, Birmingham had looked dangerous, conquering the space vacated by City’s adventurous full-backs (in fact, Oceane Hurtre robbed a dithering Jade Rose on the edge of stoppage time for a consolation goal).

— Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of adventurous

Verb

And now, Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim candidate of Arab descent who was inspired by Abed Hammoud's campaign, is running for Senate and facing attacks from his Republican opponent tied to 9/11 that his supporters have said are bigoted.

— Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 12 Sep. 2026
The real-life aspect of the things that inspired me to write this book were so much grimmer than the book itself and not actually very funny.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of inspired

Adjective

After a few minutes, there was a dive off the arch, followed by a cannonball from the next person, a backflip from a third and then other more spectacular and daring stunts from the flock.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Any caveats about the weather didn’t appear to keep families away from the carnival, as parents and kids advanced from midway games and the carousel to more daring rides like the Ferris wheel and the Ring of Fire.

— Jim Dudlicek, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of daring

Verb

Bonino said that during their conversations Francis always encouraged her to bring forward her humanitarian battles, defending those most in need.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026
His warning was meant for American eyes and ears at least as much — if not more so — than for the government in Jerusalem that until now has encouraged the hoodlums by tolerating their violence.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of encouraged

Adjective

The American walks into a meeting room in Las Vegas’ New York-New York hotel, dressed in bold pink tracksuit bottoms, with the WBC welterweight title belt draped over his shoulder, talking as fast as his fists fly.

— Chris McKenna, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
In the American context, after all, Oscar season is just about the last place for broad, sustained attention to challenging studio fare, bold independents, international features and documentaries.

— Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of bold

Adjective

Fine publicly praised his wife following her testimony, describing her as strong and courageous in a statement read outside the courthouse by attorney Douglas Wigdor.

— Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
Why Jaissle and ‘vertical, attacking football’ If bringing in eight players under 24 was courageous, opting for a 38-year-old head coach who had never managed in Europe’s top-five leagues was extremely bold.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of courageous

Adjective

New England Patriots guard Joe Andruzzi had three brothers, all New York City firefighters, who — like so many of their brave counterparts — rushed to the World Trade Center in an attempt to save lives after the towers were struck.

— Michael Silver, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Combined with a brutal noon start time that provided no shade or relief throughout the game, the conditions meant there weren’t many fans brave enough, or quite frankly dumb enough, to endure a heat index of roughly 105 degrees.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of brave

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“Emboldened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emboldened. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of emboldened

adjective

verb

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