encourages

verb

present tense third-person singular of encourage
1
as in inspires
to fill with courage or strength of purpose a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in promotes
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 provokes
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 urges
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

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 encourages Perkins encourages anyone who sees a bear to report it to CPW. — Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 26 June 2026 Rocha noted that a free festival encourages people to discover the music. — Carla Vecchiola, The Conversation, 26 June 2026 Kalibrate’s program, according to the lawsuit, encourages gas stations to upload private price data. — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 While the guidelines highlight whole-fat dairy, the Heart Association encourages low-fat and fat-free dairy products instead. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026 Alcohol worsens sleep quality and dehydrates the body, while caffeine has a diuretic effect that encourages fluid loss and can raise body temperature. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 The Current encourages spectators to leave cars at home and make use of alternative means of reaching the stadium, such as walking, biking, taking the streetcar or using ride-shares. — Pj Green july 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 Valentine also testified that the FDA encourages infant formula companies to send in all adverse event reports and that nothing prevented Mead Johnson from doing so. — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026 These fully complimentary, nonsolicitation events feature a donor speaker whose personal giving story reinforces mission alignment and long-term commitment and encourages additional giving. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encourages
  1. inspires
  2. promotes
  3. provokes
  4. urges
  5. cultivates
  6. stimulates
  7. nudges
  8. fosters
Verb
  • Mars and Uranus’ alignment inspires you to follow your passions, but be mindful of the risks involved!
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • That being said, be sure to pay attention to what’s pushing your buttons, but also recognize what finally inspires you to charge ahead.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of inspires
Verb
  • Fiber helps support digestive health, promotes fullness, and may contribute to healthier blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
    — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 1 July 2026
  • The Roots 101 African American Museum promotes an understanding and appreciation of the achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans using exhibits, programs, and art, as does the Muhammad Ali Center.
    — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of promotes
Verb
  • This ends up being just one of Aemond’s defining moments, which further provokes war.
    — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
  • His jealousy provokes an act of betrayal and cruelty.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 June 2026
Definition of provokes
Verb
  • The designer also urges homeowners to consider flourishes such as tassels, pom-poms, and ribbons to put this vibrant shade to work in the subtlest ways.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026
  • The National Weather Service urges those in Guam to begin preparing their homes, listen for possible warnings and be ready to evacuate if necessary.
    — Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of urges
Verb
  • Contributing to victories — and a historic no-hitter in Arlington — cultivates confidence.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 1 July 2026
  • What matters is transmitting some portion of your financial legacy in a manner that fosters and cultivates your most important values and hopes for the future.
    — Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of cultivates
Verb
  • But medication reduces only the symptoms of fear, not the underlying trigger that stimulates it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
  • This hormone improves insulin sensitivity and stimulates GLP-1 secretion.
    — Nadine Wehida, Scientific American, 25 June 2026
Definition of stimulates
Verb
  • Cost per wear nudges you toward fewer regrets at the register and a closet that earns its keep.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
  • One gallery features a towering tree with a grinning Cheshire Cat tucked among vibrant begonias and unusual foliage, while other spaces are filled with whimsical topiary creatures, fountains and playful signage that nudges guests deeper into Wonderland.
    — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Definition of nudges
Verb
  • Given those 3,460 acres and the New Zealand government’s priority agenda to preserve and protect the nation’s indigenous cultures and landscape, this is a proposition that fosters opportunity without endangerment.
    — Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Still, what an enviable thing to toil in a righteous cause, and to act with such certainty that humane education fosters freedom.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 July 2026
Definition of fosters

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Cite this Entry

“Encourages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encourages. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of encourages for Spanish Speakers

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