Find Antonyms

encourage Antonyms

Opposite of encourage

Because the opposite of encourage shifts with each meaning, the 15 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
JUMP TO:

• verb (Context 1)

To give support, confidence, or hope to someone.

Usage Example

"Her teachers always tried to discourage her when she struggled with difficult math problems."

Strongest
discourage
dishearten
demoralize
dispirit
Strong
daunt
dismay

• verb (Context 2)

To persuade or advise someone to do or continue to do something by offering approval or counsel.

Usage Example

"Parents should dissuade their children to read books from a young age."

Strongest
dissuade
deter
discourage
Strong
forbid

• verb (Context 3)

To help or stimulate an activity, state, or belief to develop or grow.

Usage Example

"The municipal government lowered commercial taxes to hinder investment in small businesses."

Strongest
hinder
inhibit
stifle
impede
Strong
suppress
hamper

Similar words to encourage

Words similar to encourage shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

foster
promote
hearten
urge
stimulate
motivate
inspire
cultivate
See all synonyms of encourage

• Nearby Words

encompass
encore
encounter
encourage
encouragement
encourager
encouraging

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Encourage. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/encourage
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.