encouragement

noun

en·​cour·​age·​ment in-ˈkər-ij-mənt 

-ˈkə-rij-,

en-

1

: the act of encouraging : the state of being encouraged

2

: something that encourages

Synonyms

• boost
• goad
• impetus
• impulse
• incentive
• incitation
• incitement
• instigation
• momentum
• motivation
• provocation
• spur
• stimulant
• stimulus
• yeast

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

With Alex's encouragement and support, Spencer makes the difficult decision to stay behind and fight for the future of his family's ranch. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025

In return the buying club would receive Ferguson’s attendance at every home and away match as well as phonecalls offering encouragement to the team’s manager and players. —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

Nichols, who's a mom herself, interjected with words of encouragement that both challenged and inspired parents and guardians in the room. —Devonne Goode, Parents, 4 Apr. 2025

These moments of encouragement are reinforced and elevated by Megan. —Devin Kelly, Outside Online, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for encouragement

• discouragement