1
as in inspired
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 promoted
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 provoked
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 urged
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
1
as in reassured
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in supported
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of encouraged
Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Given that people are allowed — encouraged, even — to explore different parts of themselves, the drama always feels personal, authentic.
—Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2025
No fee to register, but donations are highly encouraged.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Oct. 2025
Parents are strongly encouraged to pack snacks, water, and bring some ear muffs for their little ones to experience their first rave as a family in an immersive environment tailored to children.
—Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025
While the app is available and encouraged year-round, the week was a spotlight on the importance of joint effort when conserving the environment, Zirk said.
—Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
Dancing is optional, but very much encouraged.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Louisville Archbishop Thomas McDonough publicly opposed white flight and encouraged integration within Catholic schools and parishes.
—Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Furthermore, there were precious few flashes between those losses that gave reason to feel encouraged about the 21-year-old’s chances against one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the NFL.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
The family-friendly event draws kid and adult runners, and for a fun Halloween twist, participants are encouraged to dress up.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
Attendees left the event with tourniquets or trauma bandages and were encouraged to reach out to Bound Tree Medical to purchase additional supplies for their congregations.
—Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Those who felt the quake are encouraged to report it via the USGS Felt Report form.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Authorities encouraged anyone in that situation to call 911.
—Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
In the meantime, people are encouraged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Any student feeling unsettled or affected by the incident is encouraged to take advantage of the support.
—Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
The agency also encouraged taxpayers to prepare in advance.
—Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
But it was strongly encouraged to not spoil the ending for viewers.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Given that people are allowed — encouraged, even — to explore different parts of themselves, the drama always feels personal, authentic.
—Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2025
No fee to register, but donations are highly encouraged.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Oct. 2025
Parents are strongly encouraged to pack snacks, water, and bring some ear muffs for their little ones to experience their first rave as a family in an immersive environment tailored to children.
—Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025
While the app is available and encouraged year-round, the week was a spotlight on the importance of joint effort when conserving the environment, Zirk said.
—Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
Dancing is optional, but very much encouraged.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Louisville Archbishop Thomas McDonough publicly opposed white flight and encouraged integration within Catholic schools and parishes.
—Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Furthermore, there were precious few flashes between those losses that gave reason to feel encouraged about the 21-year-old’s chances against one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the NFL.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
People in the comments section validated her feelings and encouraged her to stand firm.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
The family-friendly event draws kid and adult runners, and for a fun Halloween twist, participants are encouraged to dress up.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
Attendees left the event with tourniquets or trauma bandages and were encouraged to reach out to Bound Tree Medical to purchase additional supplies for their congregations.
—Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Those who felt the quake are encouraged to report it via the USGS Felt Report form.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Authorities encouraged anyone in that situation to call 911.
—Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
In the meantime, people are encouraged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Any student feeling unsettled or affected by the incident is encouraged to take advantage of the support.
—Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
The agency also encouraged taxpayers to prepare in advance.
—Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraged
Verb
-
The name of the new pilot program was inspired by a biblical passage about Jesus' Parable of the Good Samaritan.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The team is inspired by its heartbeat.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
All eight of Jelly Roll’s singles promoted to country radio have now gone the distance, extending his perfect record on Country Airplay.—
Russ Penuell,
Billboard,
3 Oct. 2025
-
And what about the relationship between Firehouse Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), who had a highly contentious relationship with his team after taking it over last season from the promoted, and beloved Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker)?—
Demetrius Patterson,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Republicans provoked a shutdown at the exact same point in the calendar in 2013 over defunding Obamacare — and the polls at that time were bad for the GOP.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Yet, as many observers predicted, attempts to extend transatlantic cohesion through NATO expansion ultimately provoked a Russian reaction that a transatlantic relationship premised on economic cooperation might not have had.—
JENNIFER KAVANAGH,
Foreign Affairs,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Burnett urged those who received the calls to stay skeptical of anyone claiming to be a deputy and to not engage in conversation with them.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Ordinary Gazans who spoke to the WSJ urged Hamas to take the deal.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Between them, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have cultivated not just legendary careers but a global presence that extends far beyond the screen and stage.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
3 Oct. 2025
-
He’s cultivated a culture where accountability, neighborly care, and honesty aren’t optional - they’re expected.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But dogs still need ways to burn off energy and stay mentally stimulated.—
Kelsey Monstrola,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
-
For example, one study found that breast cancer cell growth was stimulated by low concentrations of genistein and inhibited by higher concentrations.—
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira,
Flow Space,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Since January, 139 have been fired, nudged into early retirement or involuntarily transferred — an unprecedented shakeup central to his deportation efforts.—
Daniel Wine,
CNN Money,
6 Oct. 2025
-
To manage the thousands of people who descend daily, operators have studied visitors’ behavior and engineered their parks to move people around without anyone realizing they’re being nudged.—
Bianca Bosker,
The Atlantic,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The experimental pop album features Bon Iver, Dijon, Empress Of and others and helped establish Stack as a collaborator who not only has great taste but is unafraid to redefine popular music.—
Lyndsey Havens,
Billboard,
6 Oct. 2025
-
In a September 22 TikTok video posted to the account @clickclickpurrr, Austin captured photos of Kevin, unafraid, and snuggling with Grant.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encouraged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraged. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
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