1
as in to inspire
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to promote
to help the growth or development of
asserted that the government should be encouraging small businesses, not smothering them with regulations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to provoke
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to urge
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
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 encourage
While strength training is their primary focus, Trainor enjoys encouraging Sabara to push himself physically.
—
Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 13 May 2025
There are also eco-friendly touches, including an hourglass timer that encourages you to keep your shower to less than five minutes.
—Julia Chaplin, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
To honor that, the RHS teamed up with Harkness Roses to create a rose that encourages everyone to spend more time outside and stop to smell the roses.
—Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025
Essential Utilities on Monday posted first-quarter earnings of $1.03 per share on revenue of $784 million, encouraging Janney Montgomery Scott analyst Michael Gaugler to reiterate a buy rating.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 13 May 2025
There are also eco-friendly touches, including an hourglass timer that encourages you to keep your shower to less than five minutes.
—Julia Chaplin, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
To honor that, the RHS teamed up with Harkness Roses to create a rose that encourages everyone to spend more time outside and stop to smell the roses.
—Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025
Essential Utilities on Monday posted first-quarter earnings of $1.03 per share on revenue of $784 million, encouraging Janney Montgomery Scott analyst Michael Gaugler to reiterate a buy rating.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encourage
Verb
-
Consider trying one of these luxurious neck-tie blouses inspired by celebrities, below.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
15 May 2025
-
The commercial presents scenes, inspired by A’ja’s childhood, that resonate with many Black girls and women.—
Timeka Tounsel,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
-
After adding Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, Alex Bregman and others before opening day, the Red Sox promoted Kristian Campbell to serve as their everyday second baseman, with some starts in center field, too.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
-
Hamburg have only just been promoted after seven years away.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
The situation escalated when GUNTHER mentioned Goldberg's family, provoking the Hall of Famer to jump the security barricade.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
-
In years past, the school district’s funding request has provoked heated conversations about how much the county should fund.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2025
Verb
-
Proposing and supporting systemic changes in our health care system, including urging the Green Mountain Care Board to implement hospital/payer-specific revenue caps − an important step toward affordability.—
Dan D'Ambrosio,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
-
Secretary of State Marco Rubio called senior officials in both countries before the attacks, urging them to ease tensions.—
Annabella Rosciglione,
The Washington Examiner,
10 May 2025
Verb
-
Software alone can’t cultivate meaningful relationships.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
-
And when the focus shifts from guarding what’s been built to cultivating what’s possible next.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Verb
-
Aeration stimulates new growth to cover areas damaged by fairy rings.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
-
Zaria Court is designed to stimulate local economies, creating jobs not only in sports but also in surrounding sectors, from retail to hospitality.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Verb
-
The light turned from orange to dull gray, and then Joe nudged my aching ribs — the tiger was standing in a glade 60 yards downhill.—
Cyril E. Holland,
Outdoor Life,
8 May 2025
-
She’s also known for keeping her brothers Prince George, 11, and Prince Louis, 7 in line during official events — whispering reminders, straightening postures and nudging them at the right moments.—
Monique Jessen,
People.com,
8 May 2025
Verb
-
This not only ensures a steady income stream but also fosters a sense of community and loyalty among your clients.—
Doaa K. Darwish,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
-
The installation, as a whole, fosters a similar shift in perception.—
Tara Anne Dalbow,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encourage. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share