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
Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 20 May 2026
Across California, counties including Los Angeles, San Diego, Contra Costa, Sonoma and Santa Cruz have also reported encouraging declines in homelessness over the past few years, following record spikes in many communities throughout the state.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 16 May 2026
Martínez initially turns on the charm with his daughter, encouraging her as an actress despite her lack of experience.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
Despite ongoing concerns, environmental leaders say there are encouraging signs in the northern section of Biscayne Bay.
—Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 20 May 2026
Across California, counties including Los Angeles, San Diego, Contra Costa, Sonoma and Santa Cruz have also reported encouraging declines in homelessness over the past few years, following record spikes in many communities throughout the state.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
Verb
Apply a sealant to wooden furniture to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood and encouraging algae to grow.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 16 May 2026
Martínez initially turns on the charm with his daughter, encouraging her as an actress despite her lack of experience.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
For members of the state’s business community, that was a promising focus, one that closely aligned with their own goals.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
-
The three hitters who drove in runs that inning, Shohei Ohtani, Andy Pages and Kyle Tucker, had been trending upward at the plate of late, a promising sign for an offense overdue for a hot streak.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
The authors of the study found that, although honesty remains important overall, many individuals actually preferred comforting or reassuring dishonesty over the harsh truth in certain situations.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
-
Sunday Chicken tastes deeply savory and comforting, with the mustard and oregano giving the crispy skin a subtle tang and herbaceous warmth.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Some time later, a colleague convinced him to rein in his gland reductions, arguing that the glands could instead be moved into a more favorable position by adjusting the platysma using a specific technique.—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
14 May 2026
-
The lawsuit argues that allowing such a transfer could create incentives for states to enrich a president in hopes of favorable federal treatment.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
We are dedicated to growing America’s most beloved dog event year after year, inspiring new enthusiasts and fans across generations and across the globe to the wonderful sport of dogs.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
-
While Orange County is home to many oceanfront eateries with awe-inspiring views, many of those spots come with equally eye-popping prices.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Screen Brasil reaffirms Embratur’s role in promoting the country internationally and expanding the international reach of Brazilian productions.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
18 May 2026
-
On Sunday, the league posted a social media graphic promoting its doubleheader on NBC/Peacock.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
On May 18, Venus will conclude its journey through the flirtatious and thought-provoking sign of Gemini and enter the sentimental and hopeless romantic sign of Cancer.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
-
The neighborhood’s creative spirit shines at Cam Raleigh, a dynamic contemporary art space with thought-provoking works rooted in community and regional narratives.—
Kristy Tolley,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Health officials have shut down a Center City Philadelphia dental clinic and are urging former patients to get tested after possible exposure to the diseases Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
20 May 2026
-
Direct Action Everywhere said the protest was part of an ongoing campaign urging Erewhon to stop selling products tied to factory farms where activists allege criminal animal abuse has occurred.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
Because a bright sky helps subdue Venus's glare, this is a good time to inspect the planet telescopically, though its gibbous disk remains rather small and approximately seven-eighths illuminated.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
18 May 2026
-
The trick is not to chase every bright idea.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
