Showing results for encourages.

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.

However, the carnivore diet encourages eating lots of meat of all kinds — including cuts of red meat that are high in saturated fat.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

The initiative encourages clinicians to rely on non-drug treatments like therapy or nutrition and exercise.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

He also encourages users to include information that may not appear in photos, such as soil conditions, nearby vegetation, or whether pollinators were present.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

This is similar to how the patent system encourages the development of new drugs—companies invest knowing they will earn returns only if their drug works and is adopted.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Silence is dangerous because it encourages thinking, and thinking leads to . . . thoughts.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith