1
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope
encouraging signs that the economy is improving
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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3
as in favorable
pointing toward a happy outcome
we're off to an encouraging start on this project
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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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encouraging
James MacKenzie, USA Today, 13 May 2025
That private donors stepped in here is an encouraging silver lining.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 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
Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt said the agreement to release Alexander was an encouraging step towards a return to ceasefire talks.
—James MacKenzie, USA Today, 13 May 2025
That private donors stepped in here is an encouraging silver lining.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 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
-
Taken altogether, the designers believe their creation offers a promising alternative to far more expensive robots that require heavy-duty equipment and programming—often at exponentially higher cost.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
8 May 2025
-
Once seen as a promising franchise cornerstone alongside Guerrero, Bichette has suffered a dramatic drop off in his power from the plate.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
Adjective
-
The administration is sounding like mercantilists, maximizing the nation’s wealth by increasing exports and minimizing imports, essentially creating a favorable balance of trade.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
9 May 2025
-
What often occurs is that teams with favorable odds to land the top pick ultimately end up settling for a later selection within the top 10.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
9 May 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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This compact residence is packed with standout features such as double-paned glass doors and wall-to-wall windows that create a bright, open, airy feel.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
9 May 2025
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The bright citrus perfectly complements the bergamot and apple in Madison Ave, creating a juicier, more vibrant experience that’s perfect for daytime wear.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Lately, it's been especially rewarding to watch the bond between Sullivan and her daughter Georgie blossom.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
10 May 2025
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But for Trump, crypto has quickly become about more than soliciting campaign donations and rewarding supporters.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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