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.
Thank you for the music, for the vision, for the encouragement for the friendship. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026 Her willingness to share her personal journeys has touched countless lives and served as a source of strength and encouragement to many. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 25 June 2026 By July, a garden in full bloom may need some encouragement to keep its beautiful flowers in supply. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 June 2026 The parade marshals will appear at a booth where the public will be asked to write notes of encouragement to active military members. — Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on encouragement

Nglish: Translation of encouragement for Spanish Speakers

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