as in encourages
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
Relevance
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 emboldens
This shift should assuage Beijing’s concern that the United States seeks to make Taiwan’s self-rule permanent and emboldens Taipei to take every step toward total separation short of declaring independence.
—
Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
As a result, African post-coup governments are staying in power longer, which in turn emboldens coup plotters elsewhere who see a more permissive environment.
—John Joseph Chin, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2025
Rewarding terrorism only fuels more atrocities against Israel, and emboldens those who target Jews around the world.
—Ofir Akunis, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
That plus all the Emmys may be what emboldens Last Week Tonight to strut where others may watch their step.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025
Hair, Paper, Water… emboldens one’s love of this earth and the words used to share it.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025
Appeasement only emboldens extremism.
—Nolan Lebovitz, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
As a result, African post-coup governments are staying in power longer, which in turn emboldens coup plotters elsewhere who see a more permissive environment.
—John Joseph Chin, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2025
Rewarding terrorism only fuels more atrocities against Israel, and emboldens those who target Jews around the world.
—Ofir Akunis, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
That plus all the Emmys may be what emboldens Last Week Tonight to strut where others may watch their step.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025
Hair, Paper, Water… emboldens one’s love of this earth and the words used to share it.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025
Appeasement only emboldens extremism.
—Nolan Lebovitz, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emboldens
Verb
-
Besides the gleaming blue hull, the 60-footer has an open layout that encourages sociability while promoting privacy in areas like the sunbed at the stern or foredeck lounge.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Each troll has a name and a story that encourages nature exploration and ultimately finding ways to protect the earth.—
Khadejeh Nikouyeh,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
And then that usually inspires another melody and other parts of the song.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
6 Nov. 2025
-
What, these days, inspires you to hit the gym or work hard or pursue success in other ways?—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Emboldens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emboldens. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share