1
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope
a heartening visit to the hospital, where the patient was alert and sitting up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in encouraging
making one feel good inside
hearing how his students still appreciated him after all those years was heartening to the music teacher
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in favorable
pointing toward a happy outcome
the accomplishments of the first day were a heartening start to our renovation of the house
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in inspiring
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
thinking we were hopelessly lost, we were heartened by the sight of a familiar farmhouse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of heartening
Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
The arc of a wrongful-conviction story bends toward exoneration and release—a flawed but heartening correction of past wrongs.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
That has not been a heartening process.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
The most heartening thing about this deeply disturbing moment is seeing how consistently and forcefully Minnesotans of all demographics have been pushing back.
—Scott Meslow, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2026
Yet the five-part series, named after Fitzgerald’s club, is more heartening than dour.
—Benjamin Cannon, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
What's particularly heartening is the number of Republican voters calling for such protections.
—Michael Kleinman, Time, 22 Nov. 2025
Despite public gloom over a largely dysfunctional government, voters achieved a few heartening results.
—The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Nov. 2025
None of the Broncos’ offensive ranks — 19th in yards per play, 15th in yards per game, 21st in points per game — are particularly heartening.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
Matthew Heimer, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
The fact that our national media has become increasingly focused on this side of the story is heartening.
—Kevin A. Sabet, STAT, 1 Apr. 2026
But representation, particularly these days, can be a radical act, and there’s something heartening at the sight of the Kim family enjoying their turn in the mainstream spotlight.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Pisces February 19 – March 20 Naming your options can be heartening today.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
February 19 – March 20 Naming your options can be heartening today.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026
Its diagnosis is accurate and plans for a $12 billion dollar strategic stockpile heartening.
—Markos Kounalakis, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
And that's been really heartening to me.
—Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
Even at a plateau, the trajectory of the rodent numbers is heartening, said the state’s department of Game and Fish, especially given that the past year has been a dry one for Arizona’s Sky Island habitats, where the squirrels reside.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
Cameras captured the heartening sight on the podium of Peter Bonnington, Hamilton’s former race engineer who now looks after Antonelli, standing in the middle of the two drivers.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
The arc of a wrongful-conviction story bends toward exoneration and release—a flawed but heartening correction of past wrongs.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
That has not been a heartening process.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
The most heartening thing about this deeply disturbing moment is seeing how consistently and forcefully Minnesotans of all demographics have been pushing back.
—Scott Meslow, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2026
Yet the five-part series, named after Fitzgerald’s club, is more heartening than dour.
—Benjamin Cannon, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
What's particularly heartening is the number of Republican voters calling for such protections.
—Michael Kleinman, Time, 22 Nov. 2025
Despite public gloom over a largely dysfunctional government, voters achieved a few heartening results.
—The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Nov. 2025
None of the Broncos’ offensive ranks — 19th in yards per play, 15th in yards per game, 21st in points per game — are particularly heartening.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
That’s fascinating and in some ways heartening to a newbie.
—Matthew Heimer, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
The fact that our national media has become increasingly focused on this side of the story is heartening.
—Kevin A. Sabet, STAT, 1 Apr. 2026
But representation, particularly these days, can be a radical act, and there’s something heartening at the sight of the Kim family enjoying their turn in the mainstream spotlight.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Pisces February 19 – March 20 Naming your options can be heartening today.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
February 19 – March 20 Naming your options can be heartening today.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026
Its diagnosis is accurate and plans for a $12 billion dollar strategic stockpile heartening.
—Markos Kounalakis, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
And that's been really heartening to me.
—Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
Even at a plateau, the trajectory of the rodent numbers is heartening, said the state’s department of Game and Fish, especially given that the past year has been a dry one for Arizona’s Sky Island habitats, where the squirrels reside.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartening
Adjective
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While scientists caution that more research is needed, the findings are a promising step forward for treatment.—
Kayla Hayempour,
NBC news,
19 Apr. 2026
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Life of public service At 38 years old, Metayer had by all accounts a promising and bright future in public service.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Road Ahead for the Grizzly Bear Cubs While the news is encouraging, wildlife officials emphasized that the challenges are far from over.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Apr. 2026
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SpaceX valuation 'encouraging' watch now Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Depending on their state, residents can avoid state-level taxes by creating trusts in states with favorable trust income laws like Delaware.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
16 Apr. 2026
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The Wolverines are trending toward a favorable top seed in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs, which will consist of a new 16-team format highlighted by pool play instead of a traditional single-game elimination.—
Tarek Fattal,
Daily News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In Aries, this visceral energy takes on a more impulsive, reactive vibe, inspiring the urge to act on a vision without fully seeing it through.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
-
From the wings came De Niro, inspiring cheers from the exhibitors.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Aged 33, the Belgian still has plenty of years ahead of him but in Friday night’s semi-final against PSG, Navarro showed the future is bright in that position for the Spanish club.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
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The verdant burst is always welcome after a dreary winter, and the bright, fresh flavors of spring vegetables are like a breath of fresh air on the table, too.—
Becky Krystal,
Washington Post,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
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But Randle was hopeful Saturday’s game reps mixed in with some additional work Sunday would help Edwards get even closer to his traditional form in Game 2 on Monday.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2026
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The Israeli economy is facing a significant hit to growth projections as a result of the Middle East conflict — but its central bank chief is hopeful that a rapid resolution to the wars in Lebanon and Iran can help ease the shock.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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And from his seat at the podium on Friday, the view for the Clippers next season and beyond was optimistic with draft capital, emerging young players and significant salary cap space.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
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Markets are firmly optimistic and investors would hope the stock rally does not be derailed by geopolitics.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heartening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartening. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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