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
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Recent Examples of encourage
The charity tennis tournament was organized in his memory to raise money for Charlotte local mental health charities and, crucially, to encourage open conversations about mental health, especially among men, who often feel pressure to hide their struggles.
—
Ace The Stigma Foundation, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025
After Trump’s call with Xi, the US president said he was encouraged that ongoing trade tensions could soon be resolved.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
Overall, the diet encourages people to eat whole foods that are low in salicylates.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
Musk, who spent almost $300 million on last year’s election, had also encouraged the primarying of lawmakers who voted for it.
—Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Ace The Stigma Foundation, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025
After Trump’s call with Xi, the US president said he was encouraged that ongoing trade tensions could soon be resolved.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
Overall, the diet encourages people to eat whole foods that are low in salicylates.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
Musk, who spent almost $300 million on last year’s election, had also encouraged the primarying of lawmakers who voted for it.
—Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for encourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encourage
Verb
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Inside, the stage was inspired by the Biltmore Theater in Los Angeles, said art director Matt Fiuza.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2025
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Enter the high-stakes world of Squid Game: The Experience in New York City to tackle five immersive challenges inspired by the breakout Netflix hit from South Korea.—
Nevin Martell,
USA Today,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Pollard was promoted to be executive vice president in 1980 and then president and chief operating officer in 1981 before he was named ServiceMaster’s CEO in 1983, succeeding Wessner.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2025
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But on one March evening, these hulking installations were just a backdrop: Goose, and 1,000 of its most ardent fans, descended on the space for a special event promoting the ascendant Connecticut jam band’s new album, Everything Must Go (released April 25).—
Lyndsey Havens,
Billboard,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Negotiating with someone who is trying to provoke you is their tactic.—
John Baldoni,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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Daily life in the villa is punctuated by games and challenges, designed to reveal secrets, provoke drama and test the strength of relationships.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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Quote Will Excite Detroit Fans To that end, the Lions have been urged to consider and named the best fit to land a very familiar face.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
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During tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service, people are urged to move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2025
Verb
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The combination of his roles as singer, songwriter, producer, fitness influencer, and fashion trendsetter has helped Wonho cultivate a diverse global fanbase ahead of this new album cycle.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
30 May 2025
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With a bushy crown of narrow, glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers, the species is cultivated and distributed beyond its native range as an ornamental shade tree.—
Nina Foster,
JSTOR Daily,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Just like weight-bearing exercises, the vibrations stimulate osteocytes, which send signals to the two other types of bone cells–osteoblasts and osteoclasts–to create new bone matter and recycle the old.—
Jia H. Jung,
Mercury News,
4 June 2025
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The electrode stimulates the nerve, opening the airway by moving the tongue forward.1 Hypoglossal nerve stimulation surgery can effectively resolve snoring for some.—
Sukaina Hasnie,
Verywell Health,
4 June 2025
Verb
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As rising costs of living have nudged more locals into greater financial precariousness and closer to hunger, the organization reported that nearly two in 10 South Floridians turned to it last year for food.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2025
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Around the same time, Jupiter in Cancer squares both Saturn and Neptune in Aries, nudging you to assess whether your home and family systems support your growth.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
29 May 2025
Verb
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Use mindful mantras and relaxation practices to foster your spiritual growth.—
Essence,
Essence,
2 June 2025
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Instead, it should be embedded into the entire organization with security-minded professionals integrated into multiple teams to foster a more resilient and proactive security stance.—
Travis Runty,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encourage. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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