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 The results heartened Democrats, who have struggled to coalesce around a unified message since Trump took office. Julia Manchester, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025 The online reaction is beyond anything Kate expected, but she's been so heartened by all the love and support shown towards her little warrior. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 Even so, she was heartened by the depth and passion exhibited by many of the religious leaders in the study. Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 While she's heartened by organizations that are upholding their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, resisting threats from activist shareholders and the federal government, Catlin believes there's a role for individuals to play. Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hearten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hearten
Verb
  • America is not used to having a local guy as the driving force of an institution with four times as much history and an even greater capacity to inspire fear and awe.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 1 July 2025
  • Yes, a couple of Czech producers came up with an idea influenced by or inspired by the Wim Wenders documentary about 18 months ago.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Popular online influencers with millions of followers have encouraged Holocaust denial.
    Tom Dreisbach, NPR, 30 June 2025
  • The bills’ sponsors and advocates are encouraged by the bipartisan support received so far.
    Lauren Jessop, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hearten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hearten. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hearten

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