exhortation

noun

ex·​hor·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌsȯr-ˈtā-shən 

-sər-;

ˌeg-ˌzȯr-,

-zər-

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

The exhortations to strengthen alliances, build up domestic strength, and take advantage of time are all obviously correct. —Richard Fontaine, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2022

One of the major lessons of the Carter energy policies is that all the exhortations of advocates and government experts are as nothing compared to the weight of consumer choice. —Michael Lynch, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Instead, judges in the United States have the independence to choose law over the orders or exhortations of any politician. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

The speech doesn’t quite fit the categories of Oval Office address we are used to — not an announcement or a pep talk or an exhortation for action. —James Poniewozik, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

exhortation

noun

ex·​hor·​ta·​tion ˌeks-ȯr-ˈtā-shən 

ˌegz-

: an act or instance of exhorting