Synonyms of encourages

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

• inspires
• emboldens
• reinforces
• stimulates
• heartens
• cheers (up)
• provokes
• buoys (up)
• bears up
• reassures
• animates
• enforces
• assures
• inspirits
• invigorates
• strengthens
• enlivens
• bucks up
• chirks (up)
• steels
• stirs
• excites
• energizes
• fortifies
• galvanizes
• rallies
• quickens
• boosts

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourages
• disheartens
• daunts
• undermines
• depresses
• saddens
• demoralizes
• weakens
• debilitates
• dispirits
• intimidates
• enfeebles
• hamstrings
• psychs (out)

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

• promotes
• cultivates
• fosters
• nurtures
• furthers
• advances
• nourishes
• supports
• assists
• forwards
• endorses
• advocates
• incubates
• nurses
• upholds
• aids
• subsidizes
• underwrites
• advertises
• backs
• champions
• endows
• funds
• finances
• stakes
• works (for)
• patronizes
• boosts
• abets
• campaigns (for)
• publicizes
• touts
• plugs
• agitates (for)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourages
• prevents
• inhibits
• hinders
• prohibits
• forbids
• frustrates
• opposes
• enjoins
• proscribes
• counters
• bans
• contends (with)
• outlaws
• bars
• combats
• suppresses
• fights
• stifles
• represses
• subdues
• battles
• retards
• impedes
• arrests
• halts
• checks
• squashes
• interdicts
• obstructs
• interferes (with)
• squelches
• encumbers
• hobbles
• snuffs (out)
• shackles
• fetters
• manacles

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

• provokes
• stimulates
• inspires
• motivates
• stirs
• arouses
• incites
• excites
• induces
• moves
• instigates
• sparks
• motives
• drives
• fires (up)
• triggers
• piques
• impassions
• revs (up)
• ignites
• activates
• bothers
• angers
• galvanizes
• animates
• energizes
• inflames
• fans
• enrages
• quickens
• foments
• vitalizes
• abets
• builds a fire under
• kindles
• keys (up)
• sets off
• gets
• annoys
• irritates
• teases
• ferments
• raises
• upsets
• exasperates
• aggravates
• whips (up)
• taunts
• maddens
• pumps up
• vexes
• jeers
• galls

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calms
• soothes
• subdues
• appeases
• placates
• tranquilizes
• pacifies
• mollifies

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

• urges
• nudges
• prompts
• pushes
• exhorts
• spurs
• coaxes
• propels
• goads
• eggs (on)
• provokes
• prods
• stimulates
• drives
• implores
• presses
• beseeches
• hurries
• rushes
• pressures
• cajoles
• incites
• hustles
• importunes
• adjures
• foments
• instigates
• wheedles
• nags
• high-pressures
• stirs (up)
• blandishes
• needles
• soft-soaps

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourages
• deters
• inhibits
• dissuades
• brakes
• restrains
• curbs
• constrains
• checks
• holds back

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of encourages

External consultants have helped redesign how the bank encourages people to disclose, simplifying the process and building trust that the information won’t be used against them. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

Is there something unique about fraternities that encourages this kind of behavior? — Richard Hall, Time, 7 Oct. 2026

Massport encourages travelers to plan ahead like the Hooks did. — Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

In addition to easing federal regulations, the bill also encourages states and cities to reform their land-use rules, which would mark a significant change in the federalist system with respect to city planning. — Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026

An ownership culture encourages employees to focus on solving problems across departments rather than distributing blame and defining boundaries. — Guy Yehiav, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

In fact, Florida law encourages information sharing between law enforcement and other government agencies. — Abigail Hall, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026

Jainism therefore strongly encourages ahimsa toward all living beings, from animals to microbes, and vegetarianism is the norm. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026

The state’s low-tax, business-friendly environment is one reason Griffin encourages business leaders to come to Florida. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026