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.
Her former supervisor, Sheila Rivera, director of urology surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, became a source of support and encouragement. — Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 Schumer's vacation photos drew encouragement from several famous friends. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Jonah himself is remaining positive while keeping his spirits up thanks to the love, support and encouragement of his family, friends and all those doctors and nurses who care so much for him. — Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 Lydia obviously provides some support, ballast and encouragement, determination for him. — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 17 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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