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
Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
For the Dodgers, the encouraging part is that there appears to be little concern about Betts' work ethic or preparation.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
Efforts to increase births have accelerated in recent years as the full scale of the population crisis has become clearer, with new policies ranging from childbirth and housing subsidies to encouraging more fathers to take paternity leave.
—Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
The successful crossings are being viewed as an encouraging early sign for the structure's long-term impact.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
For the Dodgers, the encouraging part is that there appears to be little concern about Betts' work ethic or preparation.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Verb
Cuts expected to remain include a sharp reduction in zoning investigators, the elimination of a fee waiver encouraging sidewalk repairs and cuts to the city’s bomb squad.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
Efforts to increase births have accelerated in recent years as the full scale of the population crisis has become clearer, with new policies ranging from childbirth and housing subsidies to encouraging more fathers to take paternity leave.
—Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
One by one, an announcer began calling up the women whose play had marked the tournament - its top goal scorer, its most promising player.—
Ryan Lenora Brown,
NPR,
14 June 2026
-
That is why some of the city’s most promising ideas involve encouraging investment while preserving character.—
Sarah M. Boye,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
Let your senses guide wise spending, and favor one durable tool that makes your routine feel comforting while still keeping you productive.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
Autumn brings crisp air, colorful foliage in the forests and arboretums, roaring fires, and comforting, warming dishes.—
Lindsay Cohn,
Travel + Leisure,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
The upcoming World Cup clash between the US and Australia has unexpectedly escalated into a fierce rivalry, despite both teams initially celebrating their favorable draw.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
National Weather Service A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to develop.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
The celebration comes after an awe-inspiring playoff run which saw the Knicks secure the team's first NBA title in more than 50 years with a 4-1 series win over the San Antonio Spurs.—
Mason Leib,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
-
The story follows young Santa Claus on an Oz-like trek through the North Pole, meeting and inspiring the offbeat friends who will create Christmas, and remind the world to believe.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Tom Holland and Zendaya made promoting their new movie look like a casual date moment.—
Angeline Jane Bernabe,
ABC News,
15 June 2026
-
The push is being led by tech giant Huawei through the Ultra HD Video Alliance, which is promoting its own HDR Vivid standard as an alternative to the Digital Cinema Initiatives certification framework that has governed cinema projection globally for decades.—
Marcus Lim,
Variety,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
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,
15 June 2026
-
Experts don’t fully agree on how helpful a low-histamine diet—which limits histamine-provoking foods—is for systemic mastocytosis.—
Gagandeep Brar,
Health,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
After Ikeda’s California Country Market was nominated for the contest, Ikeda campaigned relentlessly to drum up support, urging fans and customers to cast daily votes.—
Anne Ewbank,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
-
Fire officials are urging residents to take precautions.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
Just use Dubhe and Merak, the two bright stars in the front edge of the pot of the Big Dipper, opposite the handle, as pointer stars to Polaris.—
Mike Lynch,
Twin Cities,
14 June 2026
-
Initial crowds were eager to watch the twisty conspiracy thriller on the biggest and brightest screens, with premium large formats representing a mighty 48% of grosses.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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