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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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
Pia Singh, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
After Dart’s encouraging rookie season, the Giants are not in the market for a quarterback this time around.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 Jan. 2026
There was a lot to like about Jovic’s performance on Saturday, with Heat veteran guard Norman Powell pushing and encouraging him along the way.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
Ellis said IonQ’s increasing cash balance over the past year is encouraging.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
After Dart’s encouraging rookie season, the Giants are not in the market for a quarterback this time around.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
Granted, fading into the fray may be the best-case scenario for a show that kept encouraging its audience to place bets on the next round of winners and handed out yet another new award to a former host.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 Jan. 2026
There was a lot to like about Jovic’s performance on Saturday, with Heat veteran guard Norman Powell pushing and encouraging him along the way.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
Browns Cleveland boasts an elite defense led by the league’s best pass rusher, an owner who spends more cash than any other team and a promising nucleus from the 2025 draft class.—
Jacob Robinson,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Creativity, romance and pleasure take on a more serious tone, and a connection could feel both exciting and promising.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The couple's daughter recalled a warm and comforting childhood.—
Nicole Nielsen,
CBS News,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Some of the behaviors most strongly associated with deep, durable love don’t feel comforting in the moment at all.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The fame Jefferson sought was the second one, closer to honor and the acceptance of one’s ideas, credit for possession of a desirable character and a favorable reputation that would outlive him.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The quarterly rebalanced assortment of large-, mid-, and small-cap RV Portfolio stocks offers an adaptable way to capitalize on favorable market conditions while minimizing losses when the market declines, as detailed in RV Portfolio performance metrics.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Director Wes Anderson credited the Library of Congress for inspiring the movie's distinct visual style.—
Neda Ulaby,
NPR,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Shrinking co-creator Bill Lawrence has credited Fox with inspiring how the show approaches Parkinson’s disease.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The build has felt oddly subdued for much of the month, largely because the focus shifted toward promoting the quarterly Peacock special instead.—
Rob Wolkenbrod,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The conversations around politics were largely unfolding at panels, such as the American Civil Liberties Union event attended by DuVernay, and as the stars were promoting their films on red carpets ahead of their premieres.—
Rebecca Keegan,
NBC news,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Officials’ insistence that citizens who record agents are provoking violent retribution is a justification for what is becoming a very literal war on truth.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
25 Jan. 2026
-
In the main event of SmackDown, Trick Williams defeated Damian Priest by DQ after provoking Sami Zayn.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The nonprofit is urging donors to make an appointment to give blood or to go to a blood drive.—
Ciara McCarthy
January 27,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Earlier this week, 60 CEOs in Minnesota wrote a letter published by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce urging deescalation.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Even hospital appointments were overwhelming, with bright lights leaving her drained and overstimulated.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The bright blue facade is a beacon of hope at a time when many residents and business owners are still caught in the difficult process of rebuilding after the fires.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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