encouraging

adjective

en·​cour·​ag·​ing in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ How to pronounce encouraging (audio)
-ˈkə-ri-,
en-
: giving hope or promise
encouraging news
encouragingly
in-ˈkər-i-jiŋ-lē How to pronounce encouraging (audio)
-ˈkə-ri-
en-
adverb

Examples of encouraging in a Sentence

We've just heard some encouraging news. encouraging signs that the economy is improving
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 5-foot-11, 191-pound former standout at Jacksonville’s Bartram Trail underwent offseason foot surgery in the spring, but a 3-tackle effort in the spring game was encouraging. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025 The jury is out on 2024 first-rounder Hagen Smith but signs are encouraging. Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 And yet, that’s exactly what Instagram is now encouraging: to share the imperfect, the unfinished, the vulnerable. Bryanna Symone, Essence, 10 July 2025 Feedback from Kingpins was immediate and encouraging. Kasi Martin, Sourcing Journal, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for encouraging

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of encouraging was in 1593

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Cite this Entry

“Encouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encouraging. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on encouraging

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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