Thesaurus
Synonyms & Antonyms of encourage
1
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
- a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win
Synonyms for encourage
Words Related to encourage
Near Antonyms for encourage
Antonyms for encourage
2
to help the growth or development of
- asserted that the government should be encouraging small businesses, not smothering them with regulations
Synonyms for encourage
Words Related to encourage
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Antonyms for encourage
3
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 for encourage
Words Related to encourage
Phrases Synonymous with encourage
Near Antonyms for encourage
- calm,
- soothe,
- subdue,
- tranquilize
- (also tranquillize)
4
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 for encourage
Words Related to encourage
Near Antonyms for encourage
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for encourage
The first known use of encourage was in the 15th century
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