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 square erupted in applause upon hearing Francis’ words, heartened to hear his voice. Edward Szekeres, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025 We are heartened to hear from the White House that no decision has been made, because reversing protections now would send a troubling message about America's commitment to those seeking safety from conflict. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 Knowing that the vast majority of parents in the US want their children vaccinated is heartening. Professor David R. Hill, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025 Gillespie is hopeful that more homeowners will recognize the urgency, but said he is heartened that in just the last month, almost 300 homeowners have requested evaluations of their property, including assessments of vulnerabilities. Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hearten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hearten
Verb
  • May the light of Easter inspire efforts to promote harmony in the western Balkans and sustain political leaders in their efforts to allay tensions and crises, and, together with their partner countries in the region, to reject dangerous and destabilizing actions.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Scroll on and get inspired by these 18 beauties — and then come back tomorrow, Tuesday, April 22, to see who graces the cover of the 2025 World's Most Beautiful issue.
    Brittany Talarico, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The goal of the tax subsidies was to encourage more Americans to save for retirement.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • To Thomas, the phrase is meant to encourage people to not give up on democracy.
    Harriet Blair Rowan, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hearten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hearten. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hearten

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