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
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 encouraging
Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 3 June 2026
But the evening before testing began last week, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools principals were told to take the encouraging posters down.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
Thom Harris, New York Times, 5 June 2026
The hikes—guests can choose between two- and four-hour treks—are demanding but accessible; guides set multiple paces to accommodate different fitness levels while still encouraging participants to push themselves.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
The encouraging part is that the long-term backdrop and the shorter-term setup are now beginning to align.
—Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 3 June 2026
But the evening before testing began last week, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools principals were told to take the encouraging posters down.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
Verb
The 43-year-old transformed Bournemouth into one of Europe’s most front-footed teams during his three seasons in charge, encouraging an adventurous off-the-ball approach that looked to smother the opposition high up the pitch.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 5 June 2026
The hikes—guests can choose between two- and four-hour treks—are demanding but accessible; guides set multiple paces to accommodate different fitness levels while still encouraging participants to push themselves.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
The chemistry has therefore emerged as a promising option for large-scale energy storage, where cost, resource availability, and operational reliability are critical factors.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
7 June 2026
-
Next to him is the promising 21-year-old Alex Freeman, the son of a former NFL wide receiver whose athleticism is off the charts but feel for the game is still a work in progress.—
Becky Sullivan,
NPR,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
Nestlé's take pairs notes of vanilla and brown butter flavor with milk chocolate morsels for a chocolate chip cookie that's even more comforting.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 June 2026
-
Bereaved individuals have often told me that hearing other people’s memories of the person who died can be deeply comforting.—
Julie Kaplow,
USA Today,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
Conservative state lawmakers who have received tens of thousands of dollars from Gleason and his family are also those who have consistently sponsored, or at least provided their favorable votes, to bills that would directly benefit his precious metals business.—
Kevin Fixler
June 4,
Idaho Statesman,
4 June 2026
-
In nearly half of those actions, the plaintiffs have won a preliminary injunction against the administration or a favorable ruling, said Lawrence Pacheco, a spokesman for Weiser’s office.—
John Aguilar,
Denver Post,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Clearly, the promotional popcorn stunts were effective marketing, inspiring fans to flock to comment sections and discussion threads to find out what was fact and what was fiction.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
-
Schnur said the lack of inspiring governor candidates played at least some role.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
The probiotics help support gut health by promoting a balanced microbiome, the community of microbes that live in your digestive tract and influence digestion, immunity, and mood.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
8 June 2026
-
Nobody should ever resort to violence to resolve conflict, especially someone tasked with promoting peace.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Ciara and Interracial Dating in the Bravosphere The most thought-provoking moment of the episode concerned the online minefield that is interracial dating in the Bravosphere, a network that features predominantly white casts.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
3 June 2026
-
Cattelan is known for satirical pieces that challenge popular culture, often provoking debates around conceptual art.—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Bahrain’s interior ministry also sounded warning sirens urging residents to seek shelter.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
-
The league also sent a letter to Jordan signed by 21 members of Congress urging caution with any changes to the broadcasting law.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Ex-Arsenal player Héctor Bellerín wore bright pink on the Louis Vuitton catwalk in 2019, while Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga walked for Balenciaga in 2022.—
Sheena McKenzie,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
-
Deneb is the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus the Swan.—
Mike Lynch,
Twin Cities,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
