ENCOURAGED Synonyms: 369 Similar and Opposite Words

encouraged 1 of 2

adjective

as in reassured

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Dissimilar Words

as in supported

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Dissimilar Words

encouraged

2 of 2

verb

past tense of encourage

as in inspired

to fill with courage or strength of purpose a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in promoted

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

as in provoked

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

as in urged

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 encouraged

Adjective

That last might be especially true for female human beings who may be more encouraged to have derived an identity based on our role as marital partner or parent. — Gloria Steinem, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026 When not to play tug-of-war with your dog As beneficial as playtime can be for your dog, there are a few instances where rougher activities such as tug-of-war are not encouraged. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Strike a pose in our free photobooth where looking hot enough to eat is highly encouraged. — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 People are also encouraged to dump and drain standing water regularly where mosquitoes breed. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 While this feature never got implemented, a Phia spokesperson told Bloomberg, Kianni was in support of the cookie stuffing practices, and encouraged team members to implement shady practices. — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 These pieces are made for daily use, and mixing and matching across other collections is highly encouraged. — Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026 Interjecting the bidding with inane questions or other comments about other managers’ rosters or the errant wisdom of their previous bids is highly encouraged to distract other bidders or disrupt any manager counting down in their heads. — Sports Betting, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 The company has faced multiple lawsuits from families who allege that ChatGPT contributed to, or even encouraged, their child’s suicide. — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026

Verb

More than a decade ago, the two researchers were introduced by their mutual boss, the chancellor at UCSF, who encouraged them to collaborate. — Pien Huang, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 As Brown ramped back up this summer, he and the team were encouraged by his progress. — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 With the warm temperatures ahead, Salopek encouraged those planning to go outside to take breaks, stay hydrated and try to limit their time in the heat. — Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2026 Sánchez, who faces an election next year, has said a misinterpretation of a Supreme Court ruling and disinformation on social media encouraged people to rush the border. — Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Parents are encouraged to seek CDC guidelines for more information. — Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026 They will be encouraged to share notes and memories about how Parton influenced and inspired them. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026 After a space in Midtown fell through at the last minute, Force Villareal encouraged her to look in Chelsea. — Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 In his late teens Turner, while also working as a DJ in clubs, was encouraged by one of his mother’s friends to try modeling. — L. Sue Baugh, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouraged

Adjective

Given the recent weakness in the stock and the broader macro uncertainty, hearing from management left us feeling more reassured in our position.

— Jeff Marks,Paulina Likos, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025

Definition of reassured

Verb

Keep scrolling to shop more denim jackets inspired by America Ferrera now.

— Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
The idea came from architect Hal Hayes, who was inspired bythe Great Pyramid of Giza, where a pharaoh built a row of smaller pyramids alongside it for his queens, as Hayes told the Fire Island Pines Historical Society.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of inspired

Verb

The same year, Martin was promoted to president and general manager of the station.

— Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Aug. 2026
By 2011, Bayliss was promoted to CEO of Virgin Group, overseeing a sprawling portfolio that includes an airline, telecommunications giant, gym chain, and commercial space-tourism business.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of promoted

Verb

The comment at a rally last Sunday titillated, provoked and enraged different audiences simultaneously, all but guaranteeing saturation news coverage and even more attention.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
The incidents had provoked international scrutiny of the country’s assault on Gaza.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of provoked

Verb

At the start of the year, top DHS officials, including Mullin, urged lawmakers to provide funding specifically for purchasing more body cameras and training officers on how to use them.

— Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026
Those with information on his whereabouts are urged to contact Ryde Police Station or Crime Stoppers.

— Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of urged

Adjective

Owners should check the calorie information on the food label rather than relying solely on the suggested serving size, which may be too generous.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Among suggested changes are expanding voting rights and ending ICE detentions and deportations.

— Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of suggested

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encourage

encouraged

encouragement

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“Encouraged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouraged. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of encouraged

adjective

verb

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