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
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3
as in favorable
pointing toward a happy outcome
we're off to an encouraging start on this project
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encouraging
James MacKenzie, USA Today, 13 May 2025
That private donors stepped in here is an encouraging silver lining.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
Emma Bowman, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
There is a free version of Microsoft Teams that Microsoft is encouraging its Skype users to utilize.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt said the agreement to release Alexander was an encouraging step towards a return to ceasefire talks.
—James MacKenzie, USA Today, 13 May 2025
That private donors stepped in here is an encouraging silver lining.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
Verb
For weeks, the movement's organizers have been encouraging people to boycott the EV maker by selling their Tesla cars and stocks.
—Emma Bowman, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
There is a free version of Microsoft Teams that Microsoft is encouraging its Skype users to utilize.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
The idea the experience sparks — a titillating rendezvous with the naked man at the bottom of her sake glass, Jane would never — is enough to kickstart her writing, at least to spit out some very promising pages.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
20 May 2025
-
These three forces coming together certainly bodes a promising outcome for this venture.—
Dr. Sai Balasubramanian,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
And to make matters even more favorable for Indiana, the Knicks looked a little worn out.—
Shakeia Taylor,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
-
The pressure to deliver favorable outcomes for clients can lead to chronic stress and anxiety.—
Raquel Gomes,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
The song became Lennon’s bestselling recording as a solo artist, even as Ono’s role in inspiring and writing it was initially uncredited.—
Barbara Spindel,
The Christian Science Monitor,
24 Mar. 2025
-
This provides visibility and recognition for women’s contributions while showcasing their achievements and inspiring others.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Meanwhile Russia is promoting drone awareness in children in other ways, down to children’s cartoons in which characters use their videogame skills to pilot drones delivering toys.—
David Hambling,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
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The simple and accessible name is helping the brand and its followers create a one-of-a-kind community on all social media platforms, empowering innovative voices to join together in promoting hair health online.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
USA TODAY,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This will deepen the divide between the global North and South on issues of race and cultural difference, straining the West’s diplomatic relations with countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America while provoking broader resentment toward Western countries seen as perpetuating racial hierarchies.—
Matias Spektor,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
-
In 2008, the United States suggested that Georgia and Ukraine might eventually join the alliance but offered no concrete path to membership, thus provoking Russia without effectively deterring it.—
Michael Beckley,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In 2023, a billboard displaying Graves' photo was placed near the festival site, urging attendees to provide any information to authorities.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
-
AccuWeather experts are urging travelers to avoid unnecessary travel and to prepare for significant disruptions this weekend.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
But when done right, the whole room can seem brighter and more spacious.—
Rachel Davies,
Architectural Digest,
21 May 2025
-
While cruises claimed over half of Greenland’s total tourism numbers in 2023, the future looks bright for air travel.—
Katherine Alex Beaven,
Smithsonian Magazine,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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Lately, it's been especially rewarding to watch the bond between Sullivan and her daughter Georgie blossom.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
10 May 2025
-
But for Trump, crypto has quickly become about more than soliciting campaign donations and rewarding supporters.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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