encourages

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.

See Examples For:

encourages

A reporting system that was originally designed to address intentional physical abuse now encourages people to report any perceived shortcoming in the care of children.

From Slate ● Jul. 7, 2026

It hands public money and advantage to companies that need neither and encourages firms to stay small when they would otherwise grow.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 5, 2026

James, who did not want us to use his real name, says the private donor environment encourages a "very dangerous situation".

From BBC ● Jul. 5, 2026

As growth hormone gradually builds up during sleep, it stimulates the locus coeruleus and encourages wakefulness.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 5, 2026

This gives long shots a better chance, and thus encourages more wagering.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand