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
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Recent Examples of encourage
This year, the government has scaled back subsidies encouraging drivers to switch to EVs and plug-in hybrids, weighing on domestic demand.
—
ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
After the bridge collapse, officials with the Biden administration approached dozens of family members and loved ones of those who died and encouraged them to apply for programs that provide limited protection from deportation.
—Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 24 Apr. 2026
Teachers were encouraged to act as therapists and relax rigor, ease grading, and lessen homework.
—Steven F. Wilson, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
Fans are encouraged to take public transportation to the city.
—Michael Guise, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encourage
ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
After the bridge collapse, officials with the Biden administration approached dozens of family members and loved ones of those who died and encouraged them to apply for programs that provide limited protection from deportation.
—Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 24 Apr. 2026
Teachers were encouraged to act as therapists and relax rigor, ease grading, and lessen homework.
—Steven F. Wilson, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
Fans are encouraged to take public transportation to the city.
—Michael Guise, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encourage
Verb
-
The music that we were inspired by at that time and looking to as luminaries never had a broad appeal.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The hotel’s 42 guest rooms–all of which have balconies with city views, soft furnishings made from upcycled kimonos and sakiori weavings, parquet flooring inspired by tatami patterns and Nagoya tiles in the bathrooms–occupy two additional floors below the club spaces.—
Terry Ward,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Yankees are expected to promote a reliever in his place on Monday.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
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The walk is open to anyone who wants to come together to promote lung health and help raise funds for research, advocacy and treatments.—
Marcella Baietto,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And the choices may provoke some disagreement.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
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Antisemitic attacks have surged worldwide since October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants crossed the border into Israel for an attack that provoked a ferocious response from Israel that’s razed large parts of Gaza and killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Shortly after the ruling, Republicans were urging a review of their congressional maps in Louisiana, Tennessee and elsewhere.—
Nicholas Riccardi,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
With the new dietary guidelines urging a boost in daily protein, especially red meat, high-fiber foods might get left behind.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
NBC news,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Walsh and Knowles cultivated a big crowd in the rural northern Idaho college town with its backdrop of rolling hills and wheat fields.—
Saige Miller,
NPR,
30 Apr. 2026
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And with the rise of artificial intelligence and other technologies, innovative talent management strategies and state support systems, forward-thinking Maryland manufacturers have a host of new opportunities to solve the age-old challenge of cultivating the next generation of talent.—
Mike Kelleher,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Other options, such as red light therapy caps, are non-invasive devices that use low-level light therapy to stimulate hair follicles and increase density.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Rachel Barber The Fed typically lowers its benchmark rate to stimulate the economy by making borrowing costs cheaper, which can indirectly lower interest rates on auto loans, personal loans, and credit cards.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As Benson continues asking questions about the victim, Jasmyn nudges a sign that shows her prices for autographs and pictures and says that her time is valuable.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
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OpenAI, for example, added a feature to ChatGPT in August that encourages users to take breaks after using the tool for extended periods of time instead of nudging them to keep responding.—
Renée Onque,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Mifa will also launch a series of closed-door workshops on artificial intelligence and private investment, aimed at fostering open discussion among industry professionals.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
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Ahead, Fields talks determination in pursuit of a dream, following your instincts and fostering relationships.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encourage. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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