Find Synonyms
encourage Synonyms
Another word for encourage
Choosing another word for encourage depends on context, so the 26 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• verb (Context 1)
To give support, confidence, or hope to someone.
Usage Example
"Her teachers always tried to hearten her when she struggled with difficult math problems."
Strongest
hearten
inspire
motivate
Strong
embolden
uplift
cheer
cheer up
reassure
fortify
• verb (Context 2)
To persuade or advise someone to do or continue to do something by offering approval or counsel.
Usage Example
"Parents should urge their children to read books from a young age."
Strongest
urge
Strong
persuade
prod
exhort
spur
egg on
prompt
coax
• 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 promote investment in small businesses."
Strongest
promote
foster
stimulate
Strong
cultivate
nurture
further
advance
boost
facilitate
Opposites of encourage
The opposite of encourage shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
discourage
hinder
dissuade
dishearten
inhibit
dispirit
stifle
deter
• Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Encourage. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/encourage