encouragement

noun

en·​cour·​age·​ment in-ˈkər-ij-mənt How to pronounce encouragement (audio)
-ˈkə-rij-, 
en-
Synonyms of encouragementnext
1
: the act of encouraging : the state of being encouraged
2
: something that encourages

Synonyms of encouragement

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Examples of encouragement in a Sentence

Our aim is the encouragement of investment. the encouragement of plant growth teachers who give their students a lot of encouragement With support and encouragement from their parents, the students organized a fundraiser. They offered him gifts of money and other encouragements.
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.
During the ensuing replay review, Porter stood with his arms around Brown, offering encouragement. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026 Among the biggest changes in the country have to do with changes to corporate governance, including the encouragement of companies to eliminate idle cash and focus more on shareholder returns, that's meant to support growth. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 The coordinator also stopped by Butker’s locker on his way to the bus to offer some encouragement. — Pete Sweeney october 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026 Kid Rock's support eventually extended beyond words of encouragement. — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for encouragement

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encouragement was in 1549

Rhymes for encouragement

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Browse Nearby Words

encourage
encouragement
encourager
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Cite this Entry

“Encouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encouragement. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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