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Definitions

encourage

[en-kur-ij, -kuhr-] / ɛnˈkɜr ɪdʒ, -ˈkʌr- /
VERB
stimulate spiritually
Synonyms
STRONGEST
boost buoy embolden hearten inspire reassure restore spur strengthen
STRONG
animate applaud brighten cheer comfort console energize enliven excite exhilarate fortify galvanize gladden goad incite inspirit instigate praise prick push rally refresh revitalize revivify rouse steel stir sway
WEAK
buck up cheer up enhearten give shot in arm prop up psych up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
discourage dishearten dissuade hurt
STRONG
agitate annoy bore calm deaden depress deter dull leave alone repress sadden tire trouble upset weaken
WEAK
block confuse dampen deject dispirit uninspire
VERB
give support; help
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advocate aid assist bolster boost develop ease favor further improve invite promote reassure reinforce spur strengthen subsidize support
STRONG
abet advance approve back befriend brace comfort console countenance endorse fortify forward foster instigate prevail push relieve sanction second serve solace succor sustain uphold
WEAK
back up egg on get behind give a leg up go for pat on the back pull for root for side with smile upon subscribe to
Antonyms
STRONGEST
block cease decrease disapprove discourage dishearten dissuade halt hinder hurt impede injure obstruct oppose prevent protest reject stop thwart undermine weaken worsen
STRONG
annoy condemn disagree ignore neglect refuse trouble upset worry
WEAK
confuse dampen deject depress deter dispirit uninspire

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In addition to being laser-focused on delivering, I also want to encourage accountability.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2026

It also says it would "encourage" local authorities to charge only £5 for bulky waste collections, to incentivise households to dispose of waste responsibly.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

This isn’t uncommon for people who are grieving, but there are ways to encourage her toward action without crossing boundaries or invalidating her experience.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 25, 2026

“We strongly encourage controllers to get the help they need early,” a FAA spokesman said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

This course will go no further than to encourage you to develop a basic understanding of what harmonic analysis is about.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Vocabulary lists containing encourage

Motherlode: A Mother's Day Lexicon

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Body Language: Cor, Cord, Cardio ("Heart")

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Unit 3: Compelling Evidence

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!