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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encourage
But it was avoided at that time with a mix of strong economic growth, disinflation and a robust labor market encouraged by the Federal Reserve, Daco said.
—
Lorie Konish, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2025
After spending several years working as a city planner in Kansas City, Dunn was encouraged by friends and colleges to run for the Missouri House of Representatives, representing the 23rd District in 2012.
—J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2025
For example, a VP of sales looking at declining numbers could stop themselves from commanding their team to call an additional 50 leads by the end of week and instead encourage their sales team to be more proactive.
—Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
This is part of Israel Katz’s Ministry of Defense plan to encourage those who wish to permanently relocate, aligning with President Trump’s vision for the relocation of Gazans.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Lorie Konish, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2025
After spending several years working as a city planner in Kansas City, Dunn was encouraged by friends and colleges to run for the Missouri House of Representatives, representing the 23rd District in 2012.
—J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2025
For example, a VP of sales looking at declining numbers could stop themselves from commanding their team to call an additional 50 leads by the end of week and instead encourage their sales team to be more proactive.
—Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
This is part of Israel Katz’s Ministry of Defense plan to encourage those who wish to permanently relocate, aligning with President Trump’s vision for the relocation of Gazans.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encourage
Verb
-
May the light of Easter inspire efforts to promote harmony in the western Balkans and sustain political leaders in their efforts to allay tensions and crises, and, together with their partner countries in the region, to reject dangerous and destabilizing actions.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr.,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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After earning herself an Academy Award with her Sense and Sensibility script, Thompson leant her pen to another Jane Austen adaptation — and helped nail down a speech that would inspire two decades worth of memes and angsty birthday cakes.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Infielder David Villar was promoted from Triple-A Sacramento to take his place.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Aguilera, 22, enlisted in March 2023 and was promoted to lance corporal in May 2024, according to the Marine 1st Division.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Trump’s comments have provoked a strong reaction, including boycotts on U.S. goods and protests.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
These tales were layered, open to interpretation, and meant to provoke reflection and herein lies their enduring power.—
Sonya Rehman,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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State, county and local law enforcement were investigating the shooting that took place early April 27, and anyone with photos, videos or other information was urged to contact police.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
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Commissioner Cox urged any witnesses of the crash to contact the Boston Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Of the traits the Bills are likely looking for, those are the more difficult to cultivate at the NFL level.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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Keep coming back to your long-term vision, and cultivate this mindset among all employees, regardless of their role.—
Alexandre Bonvin,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Laser resurfacing uses the same technology to remove the top layer of skin and stimulate collagen production.—
Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH,
Verywell Health,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Over-the-counter treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine) may be suggested to stimulate regrowth.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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While Google has been gradually nudging employees back to the office, this latest move amounts to a crack down on workers dodging the hybrid-schedule mandates.—
Shannon Carroll,
Quartz,
24 Apr. 2025
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Even in the immediate build-up to the goal, Salah, inside the six-yard box, nudged Van Dijk’s header onto the post and Diogo Jota hit the crossbar.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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She was sent to a shelter in Winston-Salem, N.C., which was in desperate need of people to foster the dogs coming from Asheville.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
27 Apr. 2025
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The initiative aims to foster climate resilience and sustainable development.—
GrrlScientist,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encourage. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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