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Language can be a powerful tool to express support and offer reinforcement. When we talk about encouragement, we’re bringing to the table a whole spectrum of words that hold the power to uplift and motivate. Whether in writing or speech, selecting the right synonym for “encourage” can add nuance to our messages, showing support in diverse ways.
Encourage Synonyms
What Is “Encourage”?
“Encourage” is a verb we use when we want to give someone the support, confidence, or hope to do something. We might encourage our friends, family, or even colleagues when we want to motivate them or spur them on to succeed in their endeavors.
List of Synonyms for Encourage
- Motivate
- Inspire
- Urge
- Support
- Promote
- Spur
- Stimulate
- Foster
- Boost
- Incite
- Advocate
- Champion
- Propel
- Hearten
- Embolden
- Incentivize
- Enthuse
- Cheer
- Rally
- Endorse
- Advance
- Cultivate
- Nurture
- Strengthen
- Fuel
- Galvanize
- Invigorate
- Sustain
- Reinforce
- Facilitate
- Bolster
- Exhort
- Persuade
- Enjoin
- Kindle
- Excite
- Provoke
- Prompt
- Impel
- Drive
- Energize
- Activate
- Praise
- Applaud
- Commend
- Uplift
- Elevate
- Back
- Condone
- Countenance
- Nourish
- Empower
- Affirm
- Assure
- Coax
- Influence
- Prod
- Pique
- Stoke
- Trigger
- Revitalize
- Enliven
- Brighten
- Reassure
- Console
- Comfort
- Build up
- Cheer on
- Egg on
- Fire up
- Goad
- Hype
- Induce
- Instigate
- Predispose
- Press
- Set off
- Steer
- Whet
- Arouse
- Charge
- Foment
- Lend support to
- Talk up
- Key up
- Work up
- Agitate for
- Campaign for
- Root for
- Stand behind
- Stand up for
- Bear up
- Give a boost to
- Give a lift
- Give a shot in the arm
- Give backing to
- Give the nod
- Go to bat for
- Keep someone going
- Keep the faith
- Lay the groundwork for
- Prepare the way for
- Prime the pump
- Psyche up
- Put up to
- Rally around
- Sound a call to arms
- Throw weight behind
Types of Synonyms for Encourage
Motivational Synonyms
- Inspire: Suggests a filling with the urge or ability to do or feel something.
- Motivate: Implies providing with a reason to act in a certain way.
Supportive Synonyms
- Reassure: Means to remove someone’s doubts or fears.
- Bolster: Implies supporting or strengthening.
Synonyms Implied Action
- Spur: To urge on with sharp criticism or through a provocation.
- Galvanize: This means to stimulate into action or an awakening.
Emotional Uplift Synonyms
- Hearten: Involves giving courage or confidence.
- Cheer: Associated with giving comfort or joy.
Synonyms for Creating Enthusiasm
- Invigorate: Suggests filling with energy or vitality.
- Energize: To give vitality and enthusiasm.
Common Synonyms for Encourage
Encourage vs. Motivate
- Encourage: mean giving someone support, confidence, or hope.
- Motivate: “Motivate” refers specifically to providing someone with a reason or incentive to do something.
Example sentence:
- The teacher’s kind words encouraged the shy student to participate more in class discussions.
- The promise of a bonus at the end of the year motivated the employees to work harder and increase sales.
Encourage vs. Inspire
- Encourage: When we encourage, we actively support or cheer someone on.
- Inspire: To inspire is to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, often something creative or difficult.
Example sentence:
- Our success story inspired others in the community to pursue their dreams.
- We encouraged Samantha to continue developing her artistic talents.
Encourage vs. Urge
- Encourage: Offering encouragement often involves expressing approval or support.
- Urge: Urge means to strongly recommend an immediate action or response.
Example sentence:
- Parents often encourage their children to try new activities to discover their interests and talents.
- The doctor urged him to quit smoking immediately due to the serious risks to his health.
Encourage vs. Stimulate
- Encourage: To encourage someone can be seen as fueling an ongoing process.
- Stimulate: Stimulate implies provoking a reaction or activity.
Example sentence:
- The challenging puzzles stimulated his mind, leading to greater cognitive development.
- We encouraged his interest in science through frequent trips to the museum.
Synonyms for Encourage in Different Contexts
In Personal Support
- Boost: Your kind words really boosted my confidence.
- Cheer: After noticing her teammate’s disappointment over the lost game, she cheered her up with a reminder of how much she had improved over the season.
In Professional Settings
- Foster: We foster growth in our company by providing ample learning opportunities.
- Promote: She was promoted to manager for her exceptional leadership skills and dedication.
In Academic Environments
- Motivate: The teacher used a reward system to motivate her students to complete their homework on time.
- Inspire: Her passion for science inspired her students to pursue careers in research.
Absolute and Near Synonyms of Encourage
Absolute Synonyms for Encourage
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Inspire | To fill with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. |
Embolden | To give someone the courage or confidence to do something or behave in a certain way. |
Hearten | To give support or confidence to (someone); to cheer. |
Bolster | To support or strengthen. |
Boost | To help or encourage (something) to increase or improve. |
Near Synonyms for Encourage
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Motivate | To provide with a reason to do something; to push someone to achieve something. |
Stimulate | To encourage interest or activity in (a person or animal). |
Provoke | To stimulate or incite someone to a reaction or emotion, usually by something done or said. |
Uphold | To maintain or support in the face of possible opposition. |
Bolster | To support or strengthen, but also implies the act of providing padding or support in a literal sense. |
Synonyms for Encourage with Examples | Infographic
Frequently Asked Questions
What are alternative words for ‘encourage’ typically used in conversations?
We often use terms like “inspire,” “motivate,” and “boost” in daily conversations to express the idea of encouragement. Each of these words carries a similar sentiment to embolden or hearten someone.
Can you list some synonyms for ‘motivate’ that also imply encouragement?
Certainly! Synonyms like “spur on,” “galvanize,” and “energize” not only suggest motivation but also encompass the element of encouragement.
What are some words that describe the act of giving support and encouragement?
Words like “bolster,” “uplift,” and “reinforce” are excellent for conveying support along with encouragement. They imply adding strength or confidence to someone’s efforts.
Could you provide a synonym for the concept of ‘firm encouragement’?
To convey firm encouragement, “urge” is a fitting synonym. It suggests a strong recommendation or encouragement towards a certain action or decision.
What’s an appropriate term to use instead of ‘encourage’ in a professional setting?
In a professional context, “empower” is an appropriate substitute for “encourage,” as it implies giving someone the confidence or authority to do something.
What term can replace ‘promote’ when referring to encouraging actions?
To replace “promote” in the sense of encouraging actions, “champion” can be used. It carries the connotation of actively supporting or advocating for a cause or person.
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