1
as in to inspire
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to promote
to help the growth or development of
asserted that the government should be encouraging small businesses, not smothering them with regulations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the movie's cheap special effects will not encourage audiences to sit on the edge of their seats but to roll in the aisles with laughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to urge
to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action
the pastor continues to encourage the couple to work out their problems in hopes of saving their marriage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encourage
Beyond Yoga is not just encouraging shoppers to Seek Beyond, but is also doing that itself.
—
Evan Clark, Footwear News, 24 July 2025
High humidity levels can wreak havoc in many ways, like encouraging mold and mildew growth, trapping allergens, and potentially even damaging your furniture, too.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 24 July 2025
The Munro's crew boarded fishing vessels 32 times to ensure compliance with U.S. law, preserve the integrity of fish stocks, encourage sustainable fishing practices and maintain a level playing field within the U.S. exclusive economic zone, according to the Coast Guard.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Attendees are encouraged to bring school supplies to support Mount Dora public schools.
—Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Evan Clark, Footwear News, 24 July 2025
High humidity levels can wreak havoc in many ways, like encouraging mold and mildew growth, trapping allergens, and potentially even damaging your furniture, too.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 24 July 2025
The Munro's crew boarded fishing vessels 32 times to ensure compliance with U.S. law, preserve the integrity of fish stocks, encourage sustainable fishing practices and maintain a level playing field within the U.S. exclusive economic zone, according to the Coast Guard.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Attendees are encouraged to bring school supplies to support Mount Dora public schools.
—Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encourage
Verb
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The Baxter Building The Baxter Building, the Baxter apartment, and Reed’s lab within it are very much inspired by the architecture of Saarinen and Niemeyer.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
26 July 2025
-
Billy Joel has written some of the biggest hits of his generation, some of which were inspired by his family.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
26 July 2025
Verb
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The organization aims to promote local music, art and live experiences that drive community, culture and tourism.—
Mars Salazar,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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Businesses and officials started promoting seasonal tourism over permanent relocation to the state.—
Olatunji Osho-Williams,
Smithsonian Magazine,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Under the supervision of experts, Paul provokes sharks to attack him in multiple scenarios.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
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While not classified among the FDA's nine major allergens, sulfites can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals and may provoke asthma attacks in up to 10 percent of people with asthma.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
Verb
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Residents are urged to exercise caution, stay hydrated, and be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.—
Joyce Orlando,
The Tennessean,
22 July 2025
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Donald Trump has also publicly stated his opposition to breaking encrypted communications, publicly urging the prime minister Kier Starmer not to introduce such measures.—
Barry Collins,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Verb
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As a media personality, Bongino spent years cultivating an impressive following on the right, many of whom remain behind him in this current fight.—
Shelby Talcott,
semafor.com,
14 July 2025
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Doctor Donald Trump's Witness Move Fails in Gavin Newsom Case Trump has cultivated a warm relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has visited the White House multiple times.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Verb
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The bill follows advocacy efforts by TKO, the parent company of UFC and WWE, to stimulate interest in Congress for creating more and better professional opportunities for boxers in the U.S.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 July 2025
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But policymakers have so far avoided the mass cash handouts that the U.S. and Hong Kong gave residents to stimulate spending after the pandemic.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
23 July 2025
Verb
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For loyalty teams, the real allure is real-time agility: Rewards can flex by the minute, nudging behavior without the delays of traditional quarterly campaigns.—
Boris Dzhingarov,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Snub: Seth Meyers’ Time Slot Put Him at a Disadvantage By moving from four to three submissions in the talk series category, Meyers’ late start time could have nudged him out of his other late night competitors.—
William Earl,
Variety,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Travis noted that a significant number of these operations are family-run, passed down through generations, fostering a unique sense of community and heritage.—
Amelia Wu
July 19,
Sacbee.com,
19 July 2025
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Like the nursery pictured, a room with this design can easily flow with the rest of the home while also leaning into colors and patterns to foster a sense of childlike wonderment.—
Nina Derwin,
Architectural Digest,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encourage. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.
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