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
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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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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encouraging
Justin Worland, Time, 17 July 2025
While the recovery data is encouraging, Changas said, MNPS is still below national and state averages in terms of overall academic achievement.
—Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 15 July 2025
Emma Bowman, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
There is a free version of Microsoft Teams that Microsoft is encouraging its Skype users to utilize.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
Whether these big tech players will open their wallets to finance the build out remains to be seen, even as the early signs are encouraging.
—Justin Worland, Time, 17 July 2025
While the recovery data is encouraging, Changas said, MNPS is still below national and state averages in terms of overall academic achievement.
—Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 15 July 2025
Verb
For weeks, the movement's organizers have been encouraging people to boycott the EV maker by selling their Tesla cars and stocks.
—Emma Bowman, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
There is a free version of Microsoft Teams that Microsoft is encouraging its Skype users to utilize.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
The amalgamation of artificial intelligence with quantum computing will transform existing computational paradigms, heralding a promising future, but with risks.—
Chuck Brooks,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Suarez had another promising chance early in the second half, which barely missed.—
Andre Fernandez,
Miami Herald,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
YouGov/Economist also reported a decline, from 39 percent favorable and 45 percent unfavorable in January to 37 percent favorable and 51 percent unfavorable in July.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
-
The risk-benefit ratio of the COVID-19 vaccination remains strongly favorable.—
Armstrong Williams,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The song became Lennon’s bestselling recording as a solo artist, even as Ono’s role in inspiring and writing it was initially uncredited.—
Barbara Spindel,
The Christian Science Monitor,
24 Mar. 2025
-
This provides visibility and recognition for women’s contributions while showcasing their achievements and inspiring others.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile Russia is promoting drone awareness in children in other ways, down to children’s cartoons in which characters use their videogame skills to pilot drones delivering toys.—
David Hambling,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
-
The simple and accessible name is helping the brand and its followers create a one-of-a-kind community on all social media platforms, empowering innovative voices to join together in promoting hair health online.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
USA TODAY,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Yet when North Korea invaded South Korea, the United States intervened forcefully, pushing up to the Chinese border and provoking a ferocious Chinese counterattack.—
Michael Beckley,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
-
This will deepen the divide between the global North and South on issues of race and cultural difference, straining the West’s diplomatic relations with countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America while provoking broader resentment toward Western countries seen as perpetuating racial hierarchies.—
Matias Spektor,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Federal officials had issued a warning to local law enforcement agencies some two weeks before the attack urging them to be vigilant about similar incidents.—
Jakob Rodgers,
The Mercury News,
3 Jan. 2025
-
AccuWeather experts are urging travelers to avoid unnecessary travel and to prepare for significant disruptions this weekend.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The Perseids is known to produce bright meteors and even fireballs that will shine through the bright lunar light.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Aug. 2025
-
With Carson Hooper on board, the business has a bright future, Harley Hooper believes.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But Preller, rewarding ownership’s faith, outgrew his Dennis the Menace phase.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Aug. 2025
-
Some of the show’s most rewarding scenes arrive when Theo, as an older teen, earns his father’s respect by showing up as his full self.—
Laura Bradley,
The Atlantic,
2 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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