1
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope
encouraging signs that the economy is improving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in favorable
pointing toward a happy outcome
we're off to an encouraging start on this project
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encouraging
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
To test the date idea, Al-Harbi tried it on rabbits, and early results were encouraging.
—Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
So on one hand, it might be considered encouraging that the offense mostly continued to look like a group with a plan.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
To test the date idea, Al-Harbi tried it on rabbits, and early results were encouraging.
—Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Avon Police Department is encouraging any parents with questions or concerns to contact detectives at 860-409-4230 or the Child Abuse Investigative Team of Northwest Connecticut at 860-489-3391.
—Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
-
Against Newcastle, the freedom Eze had to roam was on an even bigger scale than the promising display in Arsenal’s 2-1 loss to Manchester City last week.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The robot is still in research and development on Earth right now, with proof-of-concept tests proving quite promising.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Save your hammam for the evening and head straight to bed afterwards for the most comforting results.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Apr. 2026
-
There is something comforting, to me, about this churn of champions and challengers.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Consider a personal loan for debt consolidation For borrowers who can't qualify for a favorable balance transfer offer or for those who would prefer a different route, debt consolidation could make more sense.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
How to Get Around Montréal's ease and affordability are among its biggest draws for college students, and right now, the favorable exchange rate certainly helps.—
Megan Wallitsch,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Still, the whale’s plight has captured imaginations, even inspiring protests in Germany to urge authorities not to give up on the animal.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Architecture & Archaeology The Mundo Maya region has arguably the most impressive archaeological sites in all of the world, rivaling even the awe-inspiring pyramids of Egypt.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The seeds are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, helping to feed gut bacteria while also promoting regular bowel movements, research has shown.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
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Lauersdorf is always willing to answer constituent concerns, and never complains, said Heritage Homeowners’ Association vice president Jennifer Samuels in a Facebook post promoting the fundraising effort.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The films below offer up thought-provoking answers, but not all of them are bullish on humanity’s chances.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
23 Apr. 2026
-
On a brighter note, under this thought-provoking transit, networking can become surprisingly fruitful.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
On Monday, Bloomberg News reported that around 600 Google workers sent a letter to CEO Sundar Pichai urging him to refuse new AI partnerships with the Pentagon.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
After being bossed by Paris Saint-Germain across two legs in the Champions League quarter-final, Slot insisted the future remained bright at Liverpool.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Scientists have documented that increasingly brighter nights are altering animal behavior, reproduction cycles and survival.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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