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.

An encouraging performance from his depleted team could even give him more than that.

From BBC

The Warm Homes Plan will encourage households to opt for the trio of low carbon technologies - heat pumps, solar panels and batteries.

From BBC

And he encouraged patrons to tag the theater and Studio Simkin on social media.

From The Wall Street Journal

After the 2008-09 crisis, regulators encouraged banks to reduce credit risk and hold assets deemed safe and liquid.

From The Wall Street Journal

The revelation that part of the track at the crash site was broken has encouraged speculation that this might be the culprit.

From BBC