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
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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
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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
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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
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Recent Examples of encouraging
Aaron Johnson, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
As the Patriots’ offense looks to build on its encouraging outing in Miami, Drake Maye wants to do more to feed Stefon Diggs.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Jak Crawford, John Bennett and Sebastian Montoya wrote encouraging messages in the comments of his post, while Elite Motorsport also shared a statement.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
The San Jose State Spartans are 0-2 heading into Saturday's home game against Idaho, but saw encouraging signs in losses to Central Michigan and Texas.
—Aaron Johnson, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
As the Patriots’ offense looks to build on its encouraging outing in Miami, Drake Maye wants to do more to feed Stefon Diggs.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
The event is space-themed, encouraging attendees to dress up for an immersive experience.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Jak Crawford, John Bennett and Sebastian Montoya wrote encouraging messages in the comments of his post, while Elite Motorsport also shared a statement.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
With a combined score of 15, Leavitt is off to a promising start in the competition.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Then that data went to at least two or three judges for review, while all the most promising creams, tools, and polishes were passed out to Allure editors for testing.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Toasty black walnuts and savory Parmesan work their magic, yielding a crunchy and creamy pasta that’s extremely comforting in the colder months.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
21 Sep. 2025
-
Have the comforting dish on the table in under an hour.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
From the other side, wind has been shown to be less favorable than solar, and both of these renewables have the intermittency problem.—
Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The technical case for small caps looks favorable as well.—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Ditto for another awe-inspiring scene which saw millions of soldiers and their horses floating upwards to the sky due to loss of gravity.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Heather's video of the proposal quickly went viral, with many viewers commenting on the inspiring dynamic between the photographer and her ex-husband.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The turn of the century saw the advent of rhizobial soil inoculants for improving legume growth, with the FDA promoting such applications.—
Anna Marija Helt,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Sep. 2025
-
That political violence and policy violence are contrary to establishing justice, contrary to providing for the common defense contract, promoting the general welfare, contrary to ensuring domestic tranquility and contrast to equal protection under the law.—
Michel Martin,
NPR,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Follow Scheffler for destination stories, travel trends and thought-provoking conversations from the world of travel.—
Daniel Scheffler,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
With online newsfeeds, that meant algorithms prioritizing posts with more anger-provoking content, or posts that drive comparisons of beauty, wealth or success.—
Jenna Glover,
Fortune,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
According to San Diego’s Acting Chief Innovation Officer Alexander Hempton, Mayor Gloria is urging his team to use this moment of financial strain as an opportunity to propose new ideas and work in new ways without sacrificing effectiveness.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Sep. 2025
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Top Republicans such as Vance are urging supporters to carry on Kirk’s legacy.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The team crowded around Johnson and offered hugs with celebratory cheers, shaking him around as Johnson got a bright smile on his face.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Sep. 2025
-
The 18-year-old who was bright, was removed when Reinildo was sent off.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
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