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.
But his avuncular encouragement of Tony in what could be absolute folly brings real heart to this section — until calamity intrudes. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026 Women's hesitation stems from less encouragement, fear of appearing incompetent, and distrust in AI, which can exhibit biases against women. — Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 So many across our College family credit their careers to her mentorship and encouragement. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 In the clip, Hayley inspects the hook while the couple’s three children offer encouragement from nearby. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on encouragement

Nglish: Translation of encouragement for Spanish Speakers

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