EMBOLDEN Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'embolden' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of embolden are encourage , hearten , and inspirit . While all these words mean "to fill with courage or strength of purpose," embolden implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance. // emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb

Q: When might 'encourage' be a better fit than 'embolden'?

While the synonyms encourage and embolden are close in meaning, encourage suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency. // the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts

Q: When could 'hearten' be used to replace 'embolden'?

Although the words hearten and embolden have much in common, hearten implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal. // a hospital patient heartened by good news

Q: When is 'inspirit' a more appropriate choice than 'embolden'?

The words inspirit and embolden are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inspirit , somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something. // patriots inspirited the people to resist

embolden

verb

im-ˈbōl-dən

Definition of embolden

as in to inspire

to fill with courage or strength of purpose his poor showing in his first swim meet just emboldened him to train even harder

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How does the verb embolden differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of embolden are encourage, hearten, and inspirit. While all these words mean "to fill with courage or strength of purpose," embolden implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance.

emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb

When might encourage be a better fit than embolden?

While the synonyms encourage and embolden are close in meaning, encourage suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency.

the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts

When could hearten be used to replace embolden?

Although the words hearten and embolden have much in common, hearten implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal.

a hospital patient heartened by good news

When is inspirit a more appropriate choice than embolden?

The words inspirit and embolden are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inspirit, somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something.

patriots inspirited the people to resist

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of embolden So much so that some have felt emboldened to challenge Russia over its war in Ukraine. — Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026 That fact alone can embolden an unsuspected insider, who may have the ability to cause irreparable harm. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Whoever wins could be emboldened to lean in even more to anti-Trump resistance — especially key as the midterms are coming during this TV season. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026 Both of those effects, Maleki said, directly undermined US leverage in the more difficult nuclear talks and emboldened Iran to shrug off the ceasefire and keep attacking ships in the strait. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embolden

Recent Examples of Synonyms for embolden

Verb

The restaurant's menu is inspired by the history of Menorca, especially the period of French occupation in the 18th century, which had a significant influence on the island’s cuisine.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
The film seeks to celebrate Guillén’s life while honoring the tireless advocacy of her family, whose campaigning inspired lasting legislative change and amplified the voices of military families.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of inspire

Verb

While the colors blend in with the landscape and may draw your eye outside, the rooms also encourage procrastinating.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Lee told the Queen that her husband’s candidness has encouraged many to feel more comfortable with their own cancer journeys.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of encourage

Browse Nearby Words

embodying

embolden

emboldened

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“Embolden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embolden. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of embolden

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