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Showing results for encourage. Search instead for uncourage.
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.

This, in turn, improves their reputations, which can help reduce project delays and encourage investment.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

In an effort to promote the game of golf, many courses encourage new and rookie golfers onto the course.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 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

“Do not listen to him. That is an oversimplication of things. A sensationalist view of it. One to encourage confusion. Many things that are misunderstood are labeled dangerous,” Gia replied.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

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