Showing results for encourages. Search instead for movement 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.

The Rochester foundation, like many others of its type, encourages donors to contribute the remainder to its general endowment, but says it will honor specific instructions.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Although she encourages cleaner technologies, Romero disagrees with banning new gas-powered cars because it could make transportation unaffordable for some families.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The primary reason given for this change is that quarterly reporting encourages companies to engage in “short- termism” — managing operations to meet Wall Street’s short-term goals rather than invest in long-term growth.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

The researchers hope their work encourages a more careful look at omega-3 supplementation, both in clinical settings and among the general public.

From Science Daily • Apr. 26, 2026

Didu encourages me to launch an after-school Fashion-Design Club, but I can't find a faculty member at Carver to sponsor it because none of my teachers can thread a needle.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins