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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.

“You’re not tattooing your face. You’re painting your walls,” she says as a way to encourage others to experiment.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

“What we’re trying to do is figure out what are the pain points for people of going public and trying to encourage people to go public sooner.”

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

In England and Scotland, no matches are currently shown during the '3pm blackout' slot - 2.45pm-5:15pm - to encourage attendance at games.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

“There’s still things that I believe need to happen to encourage investment at the scale that people would like to see,” Wirth said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

One of the ways of fostering creativity is to encourage students’ improvisation.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

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!