encouraged 1 of 2

Definition of encouragednext
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encouraged

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verb

past tense of encourage
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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
Mailbox questions and comments are always encouraged, too. Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 20 Feb. 2026 Employees were always encouraged to report potential wrongdoing through their Ethics & Compliance Hotline, Glenn added. Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026 Many school emails said students would be punished without a parent doing so, and student organizers heavily encouraged students to get permission. Cate Charron, IndyStar, 19 Feb. 2026 Although public health officials have said the spillage did not impact drinking water quality, residents are still encouraged to avoid contact with the Potomac River. Max Rego, The Hill, 16 Feb. 2026 Parents should feel encouraged to ask questions about the risks and benefits of vaccination; that’s part of responsible decision-making. Josh M. Shepherd, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026 Disappearing is practically encouraged. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026 The department ended its message on a lighthearted note, while still reminding the public that juggling fire in traffic is not encouraged. Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026 Though normal operations are likely to resume for most passengers, travelers are still encouraged to monitor their flight status. Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
As a result, there is far less destructive pressure and no reason to specialize too soon, and young athletes are encouraged to try out multiple sports. Don Riddell, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026 Restaurant recommendations are highly encouraged, given how popular the outlets are with even Hong Kong residents. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026 The same legislative template under the prior administration that encouraged tens of millions to come into the country. CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026 That said, others are encouraged for a reason, one of them being knowing the rooms that fare better without wallpaper. Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 22 Feb. 2026 Perhaps most notably, Amarillo is home to Cadillac Ranch, a public art installation featuring 10 Cadillacs buried in a field—uniquely, visitors are encouraged to graffiti the cars with spray paint. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2026 Guests are encouraged to book ahead. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026 Those who noticed the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 Feb. 2026 Unions have encouraged leadership to review contract spending, a request trustees plan to pursue. Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 15 Feb. 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
Verb
  • Plume continues as a lunch and dinner spot throughout the day, and pours cocktails inspired by Taiwan’s indigenous birds after dark (the Regulus Goodfellow with local craft gin, pine needle tea, and maple syrup is a knockout).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • The natural surroundings inspired the design of the resort’s 55 one- and two-bedroom suites, some of which have ocean views.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • For the unbeaten 24-year-old mixed martial artist, promoted by Combate Global, contemplating the alternative can be traumatic.
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Whelen had been with the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office since 2007 and was promoted to sergeant in 2013.
    Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • During his opening statement, Deputy Public Defender Denis Lainez conceded that his client committed the shootings, but said he was provoked by what the attorney described as a dedicated campaign by Bushey’s sister to oust him from the home.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Their experimental nature and immersion in lesbian love often provoked rejection depending on the taste or orientation of the viewer.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • When the then-prince walked up to Giuffre, Maxwell urged the prince to guess her age.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Solo practitioner Marilyn Lahr urged the court to let the jury decide the case.
    Alexa Shrake, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Gus was unafraid to be operatic, to be ridiculous.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Inside linebacker Christian Elliss, who is more reserved by nature but unafraid of a microphone, pinpointed exactly who is giving the Patriots bulletin-board material.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • London — So far, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hasn't been linked to any suggested wrongdoing revealed by the Epstein files.
    Emmet Lyons, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
  • After the patient types in a description of the symptoms or problem, the AI tool sends a doctor a suggested diagnosis and treatment plan.
    Martha Bebinger, NPR, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The podcast is recorded live every week at the Comedy Mothership on Sixth Street in Austin and has cultivated a dedicated following.
    Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Mish has cultivated a significant social media following as a Marlins insider and previously co-wrote a baseball column for the Miami Herald.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Encouraged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraged. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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