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
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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
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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
Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025
From New York’s East Village to Seattle’s oldest neighborhood and New Orleans’ eclectic Bywater community, these vintage retailers aren’t just selling clothes—they’re preserving culture, telling stories, and encouraging consumers to slow down and value garments that were made to last.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 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
The Club maintained its buy-equivalent 1 rating, though, encouraging members to buy shares the following session.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025
From New York’s East Village to Seattle’s oldest neighborhood and New Orleans’ eclectic Bywater community, these vintage retailers aren’t just selling clothes—they’re preserving culture, telling stories, and encouraging consumers to slow down and value garments that were made to last.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
More promising still is Dell’s use of Salesforce’s AI agents to automate parts of its supply chain, including onboarding new suppliers, which has cut its average onboarding time from months to days.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
-
While the New York Giants haven't played well over the past few years, there have been some promising signs over the past few weeks.—
Jon Conahan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Make the hearty and comforting flavors of taco soup a bit more rich with this creamy taco soup recipe.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Dishes like wild halibut with Jimmy Nardello peppers and spaghetti with squash and spinach feel nourishing and comforting, but never boring.—
Jocelyn Silver,
Vogue,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Rutgers-Eagleton’s mid-October survey mirrored that trend, finding 42 percent of voters viewed Sherrill favorably and 45 percent unfavorably, while Ciattarelli’s numbers were 41 percent favorable and 47 percent unfavorable.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Pics such as Gladiator and series including Game of Thrones have shot there, taking advantage of the favorable tax rebate system and production hubs.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
24 Oct. 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
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Sophia James began a TikTok experiment by posting seven videos promoting the same song to test the platform's algorithm.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025
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After decades of ignoring advances in data and analytics and mainly promoting from within, the Rockies seem intent on hiring an outsider to be their new head of baseball operations, after dismissing general manager Bill Schmidt at the start of October.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This tender, wry and thought-provoking story offers a different perspective on looking for love, regret and the ‘what if’ of it all.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Skims is no stranger to bold and thought-provoking products, having previously caused a stir with its controversial line of face wraps.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Porat closed by urging leaders to really dig in and reimagine what’s possible in their own organizations.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
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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
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The bright bubblegum-pink design has green sketches of the movie’s most iconic characters, including Glinda, Elphaba, Madame Morrible, and the Cowardly Lion, while gold accents add extra shine to the dishwasher-safe cup.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
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Now, children laugh and study in the open-air structure, boasting candy-bright paint.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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