1
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope
encouraging signs that the economy is improving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in comforting
making one feel good inside
the encouraging story of a young girl who overcame great social and physical obstacles to become an outstanding athlete
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3
as in favorable
pointing toward a happy outcome
we're off to an encouraging start on this project
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in inspiring
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in promoting
to help the growth or development of
asserted that the government should be encouraging small businesses, not smothering them with regulations
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provoking
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 urging
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
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Recent Examples of encouraging
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
18 June 2026
But there’s a less encouraging trend tucked into these gains.
—
Darby Saxbe,
The Conversation,
16 June 2026
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
The government accuses Morales of encouraging the protests with the aim of destabilizing the administration, according to presidential spokesman José Luis Gálvez.
—
ABC News,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
Equally encouraging is how Medallia’s lenders, led by Blackstone, handled it.
—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
18 June 2026
But there’s a less encouraging trend tucked into these gains.
—
Darby Saxbe,
The Conversation,
16 June 2026
Verb
Instead, in much of popular culture, men often get messages encouraging them to be stoic and unemotional.
—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
The government accuses Morales of encouraging the protests with the aim of destabilizing the administration, according to presidential spokesman José Luis Gálvez.
—
ABC News,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
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The findings suggest that boron nitride nanotubes could serve as a promising platform for next-generation separation technologies.
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Unfortunately, 29-year-old’s promising career suffered a tragic end.
Adjective
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Easier than tomato pie, this drop biscuit-style savory cobbler makes a comforting summer supper.
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So much for the comforting assumption that someone official is keeping a careful tally of the loans inside your fund.
Adjective
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Control Process has won consecutive international arbitration proceedings, including favorable rulings from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris.
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Purvis said the cost of Impossible products has increased over time despite his efforts to work closely with suppliers and provide forecasts to help secure favorable pricing.
Verb
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That scare is credited with inspiring him to make positive lifestyle changes.
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But Verlaine remained a guiding light in New York music, on his own eccentric terms, inspiring experimental rads like Sonic Youth.
Verb
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While promoting Cape Fear on the SmartLess podcast, Adams told the story of saving a man’s life in Santa Monica.
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Grail is promoting the idea that the Galleri test should be used in conjunction with other screening tests, not as a replacement to any done now.
Verb
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Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.
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Experts don’t fully agree on how helpful a low-histamine diet—which limits histamine-provoking foods—is for systemic mastocytosis.
Verb
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Rodríguez also said the country’s entire public and private healthcare network had been activated to treat the injured, urging doctors, nurses and other medical personnel to report immediately to their workplaces.
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Supporters gathered at the Georgia State Capitol recently urging legislators to override the governor's veto.
Adjective
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Tree was recognizable for his bright fashion, mullet haircut with prominent bangs, thin mustache and encouraging outlook.
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For starters, bright colors inject visibility – not merely for players looking to find each other amid the chaos of a World Cup match, but also for brands looking to draw the gazes of millions of onlooking fans towards their logo.
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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