Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for encourage. Search instead for uncourag.
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.

And Pope Leo isn’t the only leader to encourage this view.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Gen. Rob Bonta held a news conference to encourage California voters to vote early because of service changes at the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

The University of Plymouth's Cosmic Dust in the City project aims to "inspire curiosity" and encourage people to scour gutters and rooftops safely in the quest for micrometeorites.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

The researchers hope their findings will encourage more thorough testing of clothing before it reaches consumers and push manufacturers to adopt safer alternatives during the dyeing process.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

Because of this, they would encourage factional strife in some of their subject towns in order to control them more easily.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.