encouraging

1 of 2

adjective

en·​cour·​ag·​ing in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ 

-ˈkə-ri-, 

en-

: giving hope or promise

encouraging news

encouragingly

in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ-lē 

-ˈkə-ri-, 

en-

adverb

encouraging

2 of 2

present participle of encourage

Synonyms of encouraging

Adjective

• promising
• bright
• optimistic

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

Adjective

But several other officials since then have stressed that the Fed doesn't need to rush, while inflation data has been at least a bit more encouraging even if short-term expectations have risen considerably. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

Its games are casual-friendly and designed for multiplayer, with many encouraging full-body motion. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026

There were plenty of other encouraging performances from throughout the Heat’s roster in the preseason opener. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026

Marylanders could be forgiven for believing the tide is running in favor of gerrymandering, but there are encouraging signs that the worst is over, and a better approach can prevail. — Colin Pascal, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for encouraging

• discouraging