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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encouraging
Khobi Price, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025
Dell Technologies also recently provided an encouraging data point on the acceleration of AI infrastructure spending.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025
Ahead of her concerts in New York City, Sabrina Carpenter is encouraging subway riders to please, please, please practice good etiquette on the trains.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
The encouraging part for the Lakers was that all of those things are under their control and will be relevant regardless of who their opponent is.
—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025
Dell Technologies also recently provided an encouraging data point on the acceleration of AI infrastructure spending.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
Ultimately restrictions grew on what people could keep and take home, encouraging natural reproduction.
—Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025
Ahead of her concerts in New York City, Sabrina Carpenter is encouraging subway riders to please, please, please practice good etiquette on the trains.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
The struggling team may not be done there, with an insider reporting that teams are calling about another promising defensive player -- with the Jets looking at a Day 2 pick in return.—
Nathan Dougherty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Making over $80,000 may sound like a promising salary for some, but the paycheck would struggle to keep up with New Yorkers’ cost of living.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
An online exclusive recipe, this pecan pie is every bit as rich and comforting as the classic, which is usually made with corn syrup.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
-
You’re drawn to treats that feel refined yet comforting, with no unnecessary fuss.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The measure’s approval allows Democrats to redraw congressional maps more favorable to their party in the nation’s largest state and keep up with Republicans who have moved to add potential new red House seats in Texas and elsewhere.—
Josh Boak,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
-
By contrast, the Moon is a much more favorable environment by many metrics.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Antarctica is one of the most awe-inspiring places on the planet, and an expedition cruise is a fantastic way to experience it.—
Ashton Palmer,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Oct. 2025
-
But every year there’s a different theme inspiring the fantasy football teams.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Weng has been offered a new research project that will contribute to the improved reliability and effectiveness of legged robotic systems by advancing evaluation standards and by promoting transparency regarding the capabilities – and limitations – of these systems, according to a press release.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Nov. 2025
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While the Bridgerton star has been promoting the Wicked sequel, he has also been given the title of PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
At best, all of his perhapses and could have beens will lead to unexpected, thought-provoking conclusions.—
Isaac Butler,
The Atlantic,
3 Nov. 2025
-
This is an installment of The Nightcrawler, a weekly collection of thought-provoking articles on tech, innovation, and long-term investing by Eric Markowitz of Nightview Capital.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Porat closed by urging leaders to really dig in and reimagine what’s possible in their own organizations.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Forecasters are urging travelers to check state road condition websites before setting out, as snow and ice are likely on high-elevation roads and mountain passes.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The popular lounge set comes in 16 colors, including neutrals, bright hues, and several shades of blue.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
-
The future is bright, the options are endless.—
J.J. Bailey,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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