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
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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
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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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encouraging
Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
That's encouraging to Tafoya, who served on the CBA committee for redevelopment at nearby Ball Arena.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025
Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025
Pop Mart, according to sources, is instead encouraging brands to work with other popular IPs such as Molly, Skullpanda, Crybabay, and Dimoo under its umbrella, a move aimed at ensuring balanced development across its portfolio for long-term gain.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
The preseason play wasn’t encouraging, and Canales’ decision to rest the starters in the exhibition finale looks even more puzzling in hindsight, especially after the offensive group produced three three-and-outs and one touchdown drive.
—Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
That's encouraging to Tafoya, who served on the CBA committee for redevelopment at nearby Ball Arena.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
Following his death, Kimmel posted on Instagram, encouraging people to respond thoughtfully.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025
Pop Mart, according to sources, is instead encouraging brands to work with other popular IPs such as Molly, Skullpanda, Crybabay, and Dimoo under its umbrella, a move aimed at ensuring balanced development across its portfolio for long-term gain.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
With a combined score of 15, Leavitt is off to a promising start in the competition.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Then that data went to at least two or three judges for review, while all the most promising creams, tools, and polishes were passed out to Allure editors for testing.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Then complement it with a refreshing fattoush salad or one of our comforting homestyle stews, which reflect the heart of our kitchen.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Meanwhile, Mary’s mother, Cora, remains a stalwart and comforting presence.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
So, all in all, hair questions seem like a favorable thing.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Political stability, a favorable family-office regime, independent courts, and Mandarin fluency made Singapore a natural draw for China's super-rich.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The efficiency and immediacy of space medicine may well influence healthcare innovation far beyond orbit, inspiring systems that are faster, cheaper, and more accessible.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
An outer wall of the exhibit includes commentary through the centuries from great poets and scholars about the awe-inspiring site.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
However, the president’s criticism of mail-in ballots could risk disrupting the inroads Republicans made with voters last cycle, with the party spending millions promoting mail-in ballots ahead of the 2024 election.—
Hailey Bullis,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
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It was created with the intention of promoting AI fluency and a future-ready, AI-confident workforce.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Follow Scheffler for destination stories, travel trends and thought-provoking conversations from the world of travel.—
Daniel Scheffler,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In late August, nine Republican House lawmakers sent a letter urging the DOJ to halt a cannabis rescheduling proposal.—
Dario Sabaghi,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Nevertheless, meteorologists are urging people to remain alert, as sea temperatures remain high and storms can still form well into October and even November.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This week, a crescent moon will join, shining close to Jupiter before featuring in a rare close conjunction with Venus and bright star Regulus.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Even a half block away, the air smells sweet and bright, like seared shellfish, sharp vinegar, and the blistery green of sizzling herbs.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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