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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of encouraging
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
To test the date idea, Al-Harbi tried it on rabbits, and early results were encouraging.
—Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
This year, the government has scaled back subsidies encouraging drivers to switch to EVs and plug-in hybrids, weighing on domestic demand.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
So on one hand, it might be considered encouraging that the offense mostly continued to look like a group with a plan.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
To test the date idea, Al-Harbi tried it on rabbits, and early results were encouraging.
—Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Avon Police Department is encouraging any parents with questions or concerns to contact detectives at 860-409-4230 or the Child Abuse Investigative Team of Northwest Connecticut at 860-489-3391.
—Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
This year, the government has scaled back subsidies encouraging drivers to switch to EVs and plug-in hybrids, weighing on domestic demand.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
Against Newcastle, the freedom Eze had to roam was on an even bigger scale than the promising display in Arsenal’s 2-1 loss to Manchester City last week.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The robot is still in research and development on Earth right now, with proof-of-concept tests proving quite promising.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The pancakes are fluffy, soft and chewy, the sausage is comforting and the biscuit is probably one of the best in Charlotte.—
Shindy Chen
April 20,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This quick-cooking protein is the foundation of so many comforting meals—spaghetti sauce, meatloaf, casseroles, meatballs, tacos, and of course, burgers.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Its conservative majority could throw out a requirement under the Voting Rights Act that in areas with a large minority population, mapmakers draw districts that are more favorable to the election of minority candidates.—
Nicholas Riccardi,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
In a February 2025 Reuters poll, the two men reaped more favorable ratings than anyone else among the 10 wealthiest Americans.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Every parent wants their child to succeed, but some parents, like Esther Wojcicki, are especially adept at inspiring greatness in their child.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Casa Amarela has delight-inspiring rooms designed for children.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The former First Lady, 62, delivered one show-stopping ensemble after another while promoting her book The Look.—
Brittany Talarico,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The Paris prosecutor’s office opened last year an investigation into TikTok over allegations that the platform allows content promoting suicide and that its algorithms may encourage vulnerable young people to take their own lives.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Apr. 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 Apr. 2026
-
The company’s failure to repay billions of dollars of wealth management products unleashed frustration among the lower and middle classes, many of whom had investments wiped out, provoking protests and threatening social stability.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
With the company’s board and multiple proxy advisory firms urging shareholders to vote yes, the deal is expected to be approved, moving Paramount closer to taking over its much bigger rival.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
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People flooded the brand's comments field, urging the company to bring back their old chai latte.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
After being bossed by Paris Saint-Germain across two legs in the Champions League quarter-final, Slot insisted the future remained bright at Liverpool.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Scientists have documented that increasingly brighter nights are altering animal behavior, reproduction cycles and survival.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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