Synonyms for

Encouraging

Verb / eˈnkɜ:ɪdʒɪŋ / / ɪˈnkɜ:ʌdʒɪŋ / Another word for encouraging — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

giving someone support, confidence, or hope

Synonyms & similar words

further encourage discouraging promote boost supporting discourage advance inspiring motivating uplifting cheering heartening reassuring supportive helpful positive optimistic hopeful confident emboldening empowering fortifying strengthening inspiriting buoying comforting consoling

Synonyms by register

Formal

heartening uplifting positive supportive

Informal

cheering motivating pep-talking

Literary

inspiring exhorting

Antonyms

discouraging demoralizing disheartening depressing negative unsupportive

Common collocations

  • encouraging words
  • encouraging sign
  • encouraging response
  • encouraging development
  • encouraging news
  • encouraging outlook
  • encouraging trend

Word family

noun encouragement
verb encourage
adverb encouragingly

Usage note

This word often implies providing hope or confidence. It is generally positive and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Example sentences

  1. The coach gave an encouraging speech to the team before the game.
  2. My mom gives me encouraging words when I'm feeling sad.
  3. The audience gave an encouraging round of applause to the performer.
  4. The teacher wrote an encouraging note on the student's paper.
  5. The company's profits were very encouraging this quarter.

Quotes

  • Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle. - Christian D. Larson
  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Nelson Mandela
  • You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. - C.S. Lewis

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