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
Sean Gregory,
Time,
30 June 2026
Home sales figures for May remain soft, but the rise in median sale prices is encouraging, Wei said.
—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
29 June 2026
Chaewon Chung
july 3,
Sacbee.com,
3 July 2026
Instead, firefighters are encouraging residents to think beyond their own celebrations.
—
Maddie White,
CBS News,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
Either the hex ends Wednesday, or a home World Cup, after such an encouraging group stage for the Americans, ends in disaster.
—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
30 June 2026
Home sales figures for May remain soft, but the rise in median sale prices is encouraging, Wei said.
—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
29 June 2026
Verb
The district promoted the new course in a social media post last week, encouraging interested students to contact a school counselor.
—
Chaewon Chung
july 3,
Sacbee.com,
3 July 2026
Instead, firefighters are encouraging residents to think beyond their own celebrations.
—
Maddie White,
CBS News,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
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Methane is widely regarded as one of the most promising fuels for reusable rockets and future interplanetary missions.
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But since train-and-pray programs are unlikely to close the construction talent gap, three other initiatives are more promising.
Adjective
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Sora is all about cooking to preserve memories, especially those of his late mother, believing food should be both comforting and refined.
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One of the daily specials, a creamy risotto accented with a bold red pepper puree and blackened shrimp, caught my eye and satisfied my cravings for something comforting.
Adjective
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That combination of clear skies, dry air and terrain can produce dramatic overnight lows in the 20s and 30s — and in especially favorable setups, even colder readings in localized spots like the one near Kirk, Oregon.
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Similarly, Sullivan and Hafley appear to have favorable view about Rodriguez’s ability to wear the green dot.
Verb
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As leaders, our role is to invest the lessons of the past into what will be, inspiring history-minded citizens everywhere.
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Just having around a 13-year former MLB pitcher should be inspiring to players next season.
Verb
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Good Chop is dedicated to providing the finest cuts of meat while promoting sustainable practices.
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The company threw a lavish caviar party at Cannes and in May hosted panels promoting its cinematic tool at Amazon’s AI on the Lot event in Culver City.
Verb
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If that conversation also seems too anxiety-provoking, focus on modes of communication that do feel accessible to you.
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Temperatures reached historic highs Historic high temperatures in 2003, surpassed this time, were blamed for 15,000 deaths, provoking a national reckoning about care of older people, who were particularly hard-hit.
Verb
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Your 10th House of Career and Status receives Jupiter, urging long-range vision and public progress that grows through structure.
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City officials are urging residents to take the heat seriously.
Adjective
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Charlie Carballo Ed Sheeran, who's been rumored to perform at the wedding festivities, made his way to MSG wearing a bright blue suit alongside wife Cherry Seaborn.
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Work with Your Design Style A color this bright and energetic couldn’t possibly be versatile, too, right?
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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