exhortation

noun

ex·​hor·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌsȯr-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce exhortation (audio)
-sər-;
ˌeg-ˌzȯr-, 
-zər-
Synonyms of exhortation
1
: an act or instance of exhorting
2
: language intended to incite and encourage

Examples of exhortation in a Sentence

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.
Caminero’s sprint included several mid-stride hops and fist pumps and exhortations to the crowd. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026 Lundberg writes that the poem is both an explication of the promise of America and an exhortation to persevere on behalf of the country. — The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 But also as promised, the show was all about joy, optimism and self-belief, and if her monologues occasionally veered into self-care exhortations, that was perfectly on brand as well. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026 Advertisement While Pulisic is no recluse—he’ll go to an occasional nice dinner with friends—exhortations to step out more go mostly unheeded. — Sean Gregory, Time, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhortation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exhortation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for exhortation

See All Rhymes for exhortation

Browse Nearby Words

exhort
exhortation
exhortative
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Cite this Entry

“Exhortation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhortation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exhortation

noun
ex·​hor·​ta·​tion ˌeks-ȯr-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce exhortation (audio)
ˌegz-
: an act or instance of exhorting

More from Merriam-Webster on exhortation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for exhortation

Nglish: Translation of exhortation for Spanish Speakers

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