Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hearten differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of hearten are embolden, encourage, and inspirit. While all these words mean "to fill with courage or strength of purpose," hearten implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal.

a hospital patient heartened by good news

When can embolden be used instead of hearten?

While in some cases nearly identical to hearten, embolden implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance.

emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb

When might encourage be a better fit than hearten?

Although the words encourage and hearten have much in common, encourage suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency.

the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts

When could inspirit be used to replace hearten?

The words inspirit and hearten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inspirit, somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something.

patriots inspirited the people to resist

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hearten Wall Street was also heartened when the White House suggested the U.S.’s trade war with China might de-escalate. Julie Coleman, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025 And she is heartened by the outpouring of support for Mel and the concern for Belinda’s fate. Phoebe Reilly, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2025 What heartened investors: Trump demanded that OPEC lower the price of oil for the sake of consumers — and for international peace. Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025 According to Chavez, Google has been heartened to see the advertising industry taking privacy more seriously. ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hearten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hearten
Verb
  • Consider trying one of these luxurious neck-tie blouses inspired by celebrities, below.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 15 May 2025
  • The commercial presents scenes, inspired by A’ja’s childhood, that resonate with many Black girls and women.
    Timeka Tounsel, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Goolsbee’s remarks suggest he’s encouraged by the trade truce with China, a separate 90-day pause on double-digit tariffs on other nations, and soft inflation readings for both March and April.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Trump was in the Middle Eastern country Tuesday along with several tech CEO’s to encourage further investment.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hearten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hearten. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hearten

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