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 He was heartened to see so many young people showing up—not just for new releases but for repertory titles, too. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025 Spokesperson Andrew Kolvet declined to comment on how much money the organization had raised after Kirk’s death, but said he was heartened by the number of people paying tribute to Kirk. Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 18 Sep. 2025 He has been heartened by positive comments regarding ‘Breaking Serve’ and words of encouragement offered to him on his Facebook page. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2025 His talent, charisma, good humor and calmness in the face of what at times was nothing less than a maniacal roller coaster ride often brought a sense of peace that heartened everyone around him. Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hearten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hearten
Verb
  • In addition to setting up his Instagram account, Lopez also inspired Guzman with her ability to balance so many different roles at one time.
    Sabienna Bowman, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The staff is multilingual and genuinely warm, the design aesthetic feels globally inspired rather than trying to replicate some outdated European ideal, and the programming leans into wellness and community in ways that resonate with what many Black travelers are seeking right now.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Even then, Sitake and his former teammates were encouraged to speak freely in meetings, to suggest alternative schemes and to acknowledge ways to be different.
    Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The shipping industry would have paid the tax into a fund created by the IMO, to encourage emissions reductions and raise funds for climate action.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hearten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hearten. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hearten

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