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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
-
The findings suggest that boron nitride nanotubes could serve as a promising platform for next-generation separation technologies.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
21 June 2026
-
Unfortunately, 29-year-old’s promising career suffered a tragic end.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
Easier than tomato pie, this drop biscuit-style savory cobbler makes a comforting summer supper.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
21 June 2026
-
So much for the comforting assumption that someone official is keeping a careful tally of the loans inside your fund.—
Dara-Abasi Ita,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
The upcoming World Cup clash between the US and Australia has unexpectedly escalated into a fierce rivalry, despite both teams initially celebrating their favorable draw.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
National Weather Service A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to develop.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
The celebration comes after an awe-inspiring playoff run which saw the Knicks secure the team's first NBA title in more than 50 years with a 4-1 series win over the San Antonio Spurs.—
Mason Leib,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
-
The story follows young Santa Claus on an Oz-like trek through the North Pole, meeting and inspiring the offbeat friends who will create Christmas, and remind the world to believe.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
While promoting Cape Fear on the SmartLess podcast, Adams told the story of saving a man’s life in Santa Monica.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
23 June 2026
-
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.—
Yuki Noguchi,
NPR,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
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.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
15 June 2026
-
Experts don’t fully agree on how helpful a low-histamine diet—which limits histamine-provoking foods—is for systemic mastocytosis.—
Gagandeep Brar,
Health,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
After Ikeda’s California Country Market was nominated for the contest, Ikeda campaigned relentlessly to drum up support, urging fans and customers to cast daily votes.—
Anne Ewbank,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
-
Fire officials are urging residents to take precautions.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
Tree was recognizable for his bright fashion, mullet haircut with prominent bangs, thin mustache and encouraging outlook.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
22 June 2026
-
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.—
Jack Bantock,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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