1
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope
encouraging signs that the economy is improving
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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3
as in favorable
pointing toward a happy outcome
we're off to an encouraging start on this project
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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
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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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encouraging
Lucy Bayly, CNN Money, 3 July 2025
That preserves hope that Thursday’s data could be more encouraging.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025
Emma Bowman, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
There is a free version of Microsoft Teams that Microsoft is encouraging its Skype users to utilize.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
And the unemployment rate also looks encouraging, falling to 4.1% against expectations of a rise to 4.3% for the first time since October 2021, when the country was still in the throes of pandemic upheaval.
—Lucy Bayly, CNN Money, 3 July 2025
That preserves hope that Thursday’s data could be more encouraging.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025
Verb
For weeks, the movement's organizers have been encouraging people to boycott the EV maker by selling their Tesla cars and stocks.
—Emma Bowman, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
There is a free version of Microsoft Teams that Microsoft is encouraging its Skype users to utilize.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
His firing came on the same day two of the team’s most promising young stars, outfielder James Wood and pitcher Mackenzie Gore, made the National League All-Star team for the first time.—
Dan Schlossberg,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
-
Stark noted that ascension has made Suarez one of the most promising pending free agents in the sport.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
This is driven by the ongoing market share gains from its FreeStyle Libre platform and the favorable effects of recent product launches, including Lingo, TriClip, and i-STAT.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
In 2019, 52% of Mainers had a favorable impression of Collins, according to Morning Consult polling.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
The song became Lennon’s bestselling recording as a solo artist, even as Ono’s role in inspiring and writing it was initially uncredited.—
Barbara Spindel,
The Christian Science Monitor,
24 Mar. 2025
-
This provides visibility and recognition for women’s contributions while showcasing their achievements and inspiring others.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Meanwhile Russia is promoting drone awareness in children in other ways, down to children’s cartoons in which characters use their videogame skills to pilot drones delivering toys.—
David Hambling,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
-
The simple and accessible name is helping the brand and its followers create a one-of-a-kind community on all social media platforms, empowering innovative voices to join together in promoting hair health online.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
USA TODAY,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Yet when North Korea invaded South Korea, the United States intervened forcefully, pushing up to the Chinese border and provoking a ferocious Chinese counterattack.—
Michael Beckley,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
-
This will deepen the divide between the global North and South on issues of race and cultural difference, straining the West’s diplomatic relations with countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America while provoking broader resentment toward Western countries seen as perpetuating racial hierarchies.—
Matias Spektor,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Federal officials had issued a warning to local law enforcement agencies some two weeks before the attack urging them to be vigilant about similar incidents.—
Jakob Rodgers,
The Mercury News,
3 Jan. 2025
-
AccuWeather experts are urging travelers to avoid unnecessary travel and to prepare for significant disruptions this weekend.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Refreshing, vibrant, and very satisfying with a bright cleansing finish.—
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
Just keep in mind that this year’s 84% full moon will wash out all but the brightest meteors.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
Traveling with pets can be rewarding, but requires careful planning and consideration for their safety and comfort.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
Freep.com,
9 July 2025
-
Learning New Skills That Are Hot Enriching yourself with new skills is always worth it, but focusing on hot skills is even more rewarding.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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