ENCOURAGED Synonyms: 369 Similar and Opposite Words

encouraged 1 of 2

adjective

as in reassured

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Dissimilar Words

as in supported

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

encouraged

2 of 2

verb

past tense of encourage

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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

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 encouraged

Adjective

Reservations are highly encouraged, as spots fill up quickly. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026 Residents are also encouraged to avoid alcoholic drinks, those with caffeine, or lots of sugar to prevent dehydration. — Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 30 June 2026 This is where team members feel encouraged to challenge the status quo. — William Decourcy, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Officials also stressed the value of satellite emergency communication devices and encouraged hikers to carry one when possible. — Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026 Instead, they are encouraged to view blue zones primarily through the lens of a sloppy critique that has already been discredited. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 20 June 2026 Mexico will be very encouraged from its opening day win against South Africa, looking dominant in the 2-0 win. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 June 2026 The emphasis on winning to keep kids signed up and continue making money has stomped creativity out of American players, who are encouraged to play safely to ensure results instead of developing a players’ feel for the game. — Andy Yamashita, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2026 Residents are also encouraged to keep pets confined to their property and remove outdoor food sources that may attract wildlife. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026

Verb

Those who noticed the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026 Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 July 2026 Early on, Whalen had encouraged a fruit plate, paired with California cheeses, that never quite took off with customers. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Critics of license plate readers have encouraged local police departments, including in the city of Dunwoody, to drop renewals of contracts with the company. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 9 July 2026 Importantly, hyperacidity is eased with alkaline foods (potatoes are not just allowed but encouraged). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026 On that note, with your celestial ruler, Venus, taking a dip in your sleepy 12th house of resting, retreating and surrendering to the ebb and flow of your spirit, you’re encouraged to slow down. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026 Attendees are encouraged to explore the full array of activities offered throughout the historic Pullman neighborhood. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 Businesses can also partner with the nonprofit, while current and retired officers in need are encouraged to reach out directly for help. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraged

Adjective

Given the recent weakness in the stock and the broader macro uncertainty, hearing from management left us feeling more reassured in our position.

— Jeff Marks,Paulina Likos, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025

Definition of reassured

Verb

But watching Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles win team gold at the Paris Olympics inspired Ohashi.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Although the plot of the film is fictional, the character of Leatherface was inspired by the American grave robber and serial killer Ed Gein.

— Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 July 2026

Definition of inspired

Verb

While spending time outdoors can help boost mood, support the body's production of vitamin D and reduce screen time, dermatologists warn that excessive sun exposure — especially as promoted by the tanmaxxing trend — can be dangerous.

— Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
China’s military promoted two new generals after an anti-corruption purge thinned the country’s ranks.

— Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 5 July 2026

Definition of promoted

Verb

Montgomery’s death provoked an outpouring of heartfelt support.

— Sarah M.S. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
What the 1998 demolition unexpectedly uncovered roiled Miami and provoked a worldwide outcry — a mysterious set of 24 holes carved into the limestone bedrock in a perfect circle, 38 feet in diameter.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

Definition of provoked

Verb

An evacuation warning means a potential threat to life and/or property, and those who require time to evacuate were urged to leave ahead of any mandatory evacuation order.

— Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 14 July 2026
In addition, leftists and progressives have urged candidates to embrace more populist positions after democratic socialists won a handful of primaries in Colorado and New York.

— Lia Russell July 14, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of urged

Adjective

Teams seem unafraid to try and go for the win as the match winds down, which makes the action entertaining.

— Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 July 2026
The democratic socialist endorsed in three competitive House primary matchups, breaking with Democratic leaders by supporting leftist candidates who were unafraid to criticize Israel and push for ambitious economic policies.

— Elena Moore, NPR, 24 June 2026

Definition of unafraid

Adjective

And for the first time in more than a decade, the international group responsible for those guidelines has updated its suggested protocols.

— Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 15 June 2026
Johnson said the suggested economic damages of $5 million were for items including loss of earnings, loss of marital care and loss of guidance.

— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026

Definition of suggested

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encourage

encouraged

encouragement

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“Encouraged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraged. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of encouraged

adjective

verb

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