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
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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
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
Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
And the most encouraging thing to me is the growth of technological progress.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
The challenge lies in balancing functional benefit with the risk of encouraging unnecessary anthropomorphism and its broader social consequences.
—New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
Cucinelli reiterated its estimate of 10 percent sales growth in 2026 and in 2027, with an improving operating profit, based on the strong order intake for the fall collections and the encouraging first quarter.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
And the most encouraging thing to me is the growth of technological progress.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
That’s encouraging news for this staff moving forward.
—Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
The challenge lies in balancing functional benefit with the risk of encouraging unnecessary anthropomorphism and its broader social consequences.
—New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
The newest scheme appears to be the most promising yet, at least according to people like Victor Wembanyama who still believe this game should matter.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The newest scheme appears to be the most promising yet, at least according to players such as Victor Wembanyama, who still believe this game should matter.—
Greg Beacham,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Cheesy drop biscuits make your typical chicken pot pie even more comforting.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
-
This is the kind of creamy, comforting casserole that’s been quietly holding a spot on family dinner tables for generations.—
Maggie Meyer Glisan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
With an attorney on the plaintiffs’ side of the lawsuit colluding with the city’s team, the city could settle the claims on favorable terms.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Warren and Garcia raised ethics questions about whether ballroom donors were promised favorable treatment by the administration in exchange for their contributions.—
Arden Farhi,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Explore 21 inspiring nail looks for Pisces season.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
-
And after sunset, watch the street performers put up awe-inspiring acts.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Prominent surfing family Van Dyke, originally from Santa Cruz, California, was recognized in the international surfing community for his participation in competitions and his influence in promoting the sport in the Caribbean region.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Irving, who was not playing in the All-Star Game, was traded to the Dallas Mavericks from the Brooklyn Nets in 2023 shortly after promoting an antisemitic film on his Twitter account and at first refusing to apologize for the tweet.—
Philissa Cramer,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Her style is confrontational and seemingly fearless, often provoking hugely divergent reactions from critics and fans.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
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,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Sierra Avalanche Center reports high avalanche risk through at least this morning, urging people to avoid travel in or below avalanche terrain.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The Pima County sheriff took the unusual step of publicly clearing the family as suspects, urging the public to show compassion toward the victims.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Keep your flowers in a location that is bright but avoid direct sunlight, and keep them away from drafts, or entryways where large temperature fluctuations are likely.—
Heather Zidack,
Hartford Courant,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Instead of blasting its outer layers into space in a bright explosion, its inner core appears to have collapsed inward completely, forming a black hole directly.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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