1
as in inspires
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 promotes
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 provokes
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 urges
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
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Recent Examples of encourages
The Sustainable Ihram Initiative also complements other efforts by the fashion commission, such as the Swap Shop program, which encourages consumers to exchange unwanted clothes rather than discarding them.
—
Fmg Studios, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Mouth tape encourages nasal breathing and may reduce snoring.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
Burns encourages people to be cautious.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Levy encourages patients to focus on how bleeding affects their daily life.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 May 2026
Cushiony Middle Eastern communal seating encourages conversation among guests.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Channeling Abbie Hoffman, Tolentino encourages people to steal from her own employer, The New Yorker, but does not explain which high crimes David Remnick has committed to earn this comeuppance.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
The Charter encourages limits on digital rights management, broad provisions for public access to information, and weakening database protections.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
While the community encourages visitors to watch or even help, some were recording or taking pictures without permission, which is considered disrespectful, Lampe said.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
Fmg Studios, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Mouth tape encourages nasal breathing and may reduce snoring.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
Burns encourages people to be cautious.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Levy encourages patients to focus on how bleeding affects their daily life.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 May 2026
Cushiony Middle Eastern communal seating encourages conversation among guests.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Channeling Abbie Hoffman, Tolentino encourages people to steal from her own employer, The New Yorker, but does not explain which high crimes David Remnick has committed to earn this comeuppance.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
The Charter encourages limits on digital rights management, broad provisions for public access to information, and weakening database protections.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
While the community encourages visitors to watch or even help, some were recording or taking pictures without permission, which is considered disrespectful, Lampe said.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encourages
Verb
-
But what inspires me is the idea of putting something beautiful into the world.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
So my hope is that at least a single candidate ups their game and comes to voters with not just attacks, but something that inspires, something that sets them apart.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Its expert team enforces strict production rules, promotes the brand globally, fights counterfeits and certifies every wheel.—
Antonia Mortensen,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
-
The company also promotes global tours for artists such as Justin Bieber, Zach Bryan, Sabrina Carpenter, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Celine Dion, Elton John, Carin León, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Tyler, The Creator.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
But the question of what is true or not is futile, even if Calle deliberately provokes this curiosity.—
Elisa Wouk Almino
Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The flurry of imagery provokes a surreal sort of whiplash.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Festivalgoer Jim Strait urges fans to take the sun seriously, as well.—
David Harris,
SPIN,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The League of Women Voters urges our legislators to reject any attempt to redraw legislative or congressional maps before the 2030 census.—
Allyson Meyers,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This open-mindedness naturally cultivates a more constructive atmosphere, as curiosity encourages exploration and discovery rather than stagnation or resistance.—
Rebecca Ahmed,
Big Think,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Exposure to museums, live performances and visual arts connects youngsters to the cultural community and cultivates future creatives.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Moisture Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, and the combination of heat and moisture is what stimulates seeds to sprout.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Fortunately, certain types of mushrooms are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light during or after harvesting, which stimulates vitamin D production in the mushrooms.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Team priorities could collide as the concerned Moon in your 11th House of Aspirations nudges reckless Mars in your 5th House of Risks.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Research shows that celebrating even small wins releases dopamine in the brains of team members, maintains motivation, and fosters a sense of achievement.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Critical thinking fosters being curious about the world, and that is very helpful for motivation and engagement.—
Kara Alaimo,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encourages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encourages. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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