HEARTEN Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'hearten' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of hearten are embolden , encourage , and inspirit . While all these words mean "to fill with courage or strength of purpose," hearten implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal. // a hospital patient heartened by good news

Q: When can 'embolden' be used instead of 'hearten'?

While in some cases nearly identical to hearten , embolden implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance. // emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb

Q: When might 'encourage' be a better fit than 'hearten'?

Although the words encourage and hearten have much in common, encourage suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency. // the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts

Q: When could 'inspirit' be used to replace 'hearten'?

The words inspirit and hearten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inspirit , somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something. // patriots inspirited the people to resist

hearten

verb

ˈhär-tᵊn

Definition of hearten

as in to inspire

to fill with courage or strength of purpose thinking we were hopelessly lost, we were heartened by the sight of a familiar farmhouse

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How does the verb hearten differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of hearten are embolden, encourage, and inspirit. While all these words mean "to fill with courage or strength of purpose," hearten implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal.

a hospital patient heartened by good news

When can embolden be used instead of hearten?

While in some cases nearly identical to hearten, embolden implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance.

emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb

When might encourage be a better fit than hearten?

Although the words encourage and hearten have much in common, encourage suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency.

the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts

When could inspirit be used to replace hearten?

The words inspirit and hearten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inspirit, somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something.

patriots inspirited the people to resist

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 hearten Overcast Milan was looking even grayer than I’d have liked, but I was heartened by a gracious welcome at the Park Hyatt, tucked away on a side street of the Piazza del Duomo. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026 And so, it's been heartening to see already some efforts by people like Senator Sanders, Congressman Jayapal, Congressman Casar, to start thinking seriously about what that could look like here. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026 While much of Funny Money is tragic, the doc also presents some heartening family moments and interesting insights into your career. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026 The Night Manager star was heartened by the positive reputation that Hillary still maintains in the region where the film takes place. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hearten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hearten

Verb

The $398 Very Sexy Shine Fantasy Bra is a separate retail version inspired by that runway piece.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026
Rogers encouraged attendees at the tour bus launch to inspire others to vote, too, with a story about a Detroit resident.

— Elle Meyers, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of inspire

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heartbroken

hearten

heartened

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

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