1
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope
encouraging signs that the economy is improving
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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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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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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
Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
His first start was up-and-down but encouraging, on par for a second-rounder in that spot.
—Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025
The proposal also came days after Democrats saw massive wins at the ballot box, opening up a fissure for Republicans and encouraging the minority party to dig in.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouraging
Adjective
Georginio Rutter started as the No 9 at the Etihad Stadium after Kostoulas made an encouraging full league debut in the role against Burnley.
—Verb
Dijon has been changing mainstream music from the shadows, encouraging folk and pop stars in his orbit to embrace weedier, less pristine sound and vocal performances.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraging
Adjective
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Browns Cleveland boasts an elite defense led by the league’s best pass rusher, an owner who spends more cash than any other team and a promising nucleus from the 2025 draft class.—
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Creativity, romance and pleasure take on a more serious tone, and a connection could feel both exciting and promising.—
Adjective
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Whether for the potluck, the cookout, or a Wednesday night dinner with your family, these Southern side dishes are comforting, easy, and crowd-pleasing.—
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In those cases, soft lighting, quiet music, or a comforting scent can make the space feel safer.—
Adjective
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The main threat will be in the morning into the afternoon hours where conditions will be more favorable for severe development.—
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This matchup, then, could be favorable for the Birds.—
Verb
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And where once America built the best, most awe-inspiring buildings in the entire world, now they are instead increasingly found in places like Dubai and China.—
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Although Snook, who was nominated for a 2026 Golden Globe Award for All Her Fault, has not publicly shared her daughter's name, the actress credited her for inspiring her performance during season 4 of Succession.—
Verb
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The core purpose of Taste Addison – promoting Addison's 200+ restaurants – will be reenvisioned to include new, year-round options to support and elevate North Texas' most vibrant dining hub.—
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Still, the district put full faith in its current coaches, promoting from within.—
Verb
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When Russia, another strategic partner, invaded Ukraine in 2022, China stopped short of condemning Moscow or opposing the war, instead parroting Russian narrative of blaming on the United States and its NATO allies for provoking the conflict.—
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Rather, many Iranians instead blamed the leadership for either provoking the conflict or failing to meaningfully defend the country from Israeli – or American – bombs.—
Verb
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Crime Stoppers is urging the public not to approach the suspect, who should be considered armed and dangerous.—
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Economic risk from China dispute Japan's Internal Affairs Ministry issued a statement on Saturday urging regional election committees to start preparing in case of an early election.—
Adjective
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Bure is keeping her faith — and her Christmas crown — shining bright.—
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Researchers have discovered the brightest and most powerful flare ever seen from a supermassive black hole.—
Cite this Entry
“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraging. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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