encouraging

1 of 2

adjective

en·​cour·​ag·​ing in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ How to pronounce encouraging (audio)
-ˈkə-ri-, 
en-
Synonyms of encouragingnext
: giving hope or promise
encouraging news
encouragingly
in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ-lē How to pronounce encouraging (audio)
-ˈkə-ri-, 
en-
adverb

encouraging

2 of 2

present participle of encourage

Synonyms of encouraging

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of encouraging in a Sentence

Adjective We've just heard some encouraging news. encouraging signs that the economy is improving
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
August 23 – September 22 Something about your direction could feel more encouraging today. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 Virgo August 23 – September 22 Something about your direction could feel more encouraging today. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 But as the season progresses, what Postava showed in a four-period sample out West is encouraging, should Detroit need him again due to injury or want to give him a longer look at some point. — Max Bultman, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2026 The deeper relationship is encouraging, though our investment thesis remains centered on Qnity's fast-growing data center business. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for encouraging

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of encouraging was in 1593

Rhymes for encouraging

See All Rhymes for encouraging

Browse Nearby Words

encourager
encouraging
Encratism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encouraging. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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