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
Duarte Dias, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
His manner, at least, is encouraging.
—Robert Lloyd, Twin Cities, 7 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
But insiders say the trajectory is undeniable, and encouraging.
—Duarte Dias, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
His manner, at least, is encouraging.
—Robert Lloyd, Twin Cities, 7 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
-
Another option would be converting a pair of their two-way players to team-favorable standard contracts, perhaps Myron Gardner and Jahmir Young, and then backfilling their two-way spots, with two-way players allowed to be signed until March 4.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The pick coming back to Denver will be the least favorable of the Clippers’ and Hawks’ second-rounders this year.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Savannah Guthrie credits her mother with inspiring her religious beliefs.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Known online as Tiana's Half Dozen, Carston has turned everyday meals for her family of six into an online movement, cooking from the heart and, along the way, inspiring others.—
Ryan Dennis,
CBS News,
4 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
-
Arab and Islamic countries, including Turkey and Qatar, have been urging both sides to show restraint, warning that any strike or retaliation could have destabilizing consequences for a region already strained by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.—
Farnoush Amiri,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The cases led investigators to release Garcia-Aquino's picture, urging any potential victims to come forward.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
11 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 18 Feb. 2026.
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