Home Synonyms encourage

Synonyms of encourage in English:

encourage


See US English definition of encourage

See UK English definition of encourage

See Spanish definition of animar

verb

1‘the players were encouraged by the crowd's response’

SYNONYMS
hearten, cheer, buoy up, uplift, inspire, motivate, egg on, spur on, stir, stir up, whip up, fire up, stimulate, animate, invigorate, vitalize, revitalize, embolden, fortify, rally, incite
lift the spirits of, raise the morale of, stiffen the resolve of
informal buck up, pep up, give a shot in the arm to
North American informal light a fire under
rare inspirit, spirit someone up, fillip, incentivize
ANTONYMS

discourage

2‘he would never encourage Joan to leave her husband’

SYNONYMS
persuade, coax, urge, press, push, pressure, pressurize, exhort, spur, prod, goad, egg on, prompt, influence, sway
informal put the heat on, put the screws on, twist someone's arm
ANTONYMS

dissuade

3‘the Government was keen to encourage local businesses’

SYNONYMS
support, back, endorse, champion, advocate, recommend, promote, further, advance, forward, foster, strengthen, enrich
help, assist, aid, abet, boost, fuel, favour
ANTONYMS

hinder