EMBOLDENING Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

emboldening

verb

present participle of embolden

as in encouraging

to fill with courage or strength of purpose his poor showing in his first swim meet just emboldened him to train even harder

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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.

Recent Examples of emboldening The administration has focused on promoting the United States’ own capabilities of combating cybercrime and has expressed concern about emboldening countries such as Russia and China to suppress freedom of expression and violate treaty obligations. — Mary Lind, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026 Both pledge to end negotiations, blaming Petro’s approach for weakening the state and emboldening armed groups. — Catherine Ellis, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026 Critics say those decisions are emboldening the administration to ignore judges' orders. — ABC News, 2 May 2026 Critics say those decisions are emboldening the administration to ignore judges’ orders. — Sudhin Thanawala, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026 The city’s failure to investigate or correct the conduct has only resulted in emboldening it, the suit said. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026 Those abroad fear the information blackout is emboldening hard-liners within Iran’s security services to launch a violent crackdown. — Julia Nikhinson, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026 This is thanks to Venus and Mars working together in your sensible 6th house, emboldening you to streamline routines and add creative flair to useful habits. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026 But experts worry this audacious undertaking risks fraying the last remaining threads of international norms, emboldening autocracies into new acts of aggression without fear of consequences. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emboldening

Verb

Lewis George responded to the legislation on X by encouraging Congress to reject the bill.

— Irit Skulnik, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Young posted previously about encouraging people to vote for Wagnon.

— Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of encouraging

Verb

Chris Lee, a prototypical new-school executive, wants to wield influence by inspiring his charges, while Chet Hudson, an oil rig supervisor, likens his new job to breaking horses.

— Judy Berman, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
In a moment when the average American is often priced out of awe-inspiring sights and experiences, DC, is supposed to be a rare exception.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of inspiring

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emboldened

emboldening

emboldens

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“Emboldening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emboldening. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of emboldening

verb

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