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 of encouragement

• incentive
• impetus
• motivation
• stimulus

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

Once all but deserted, the town experienced a revival in 1965, when artists and musicians began to flock there after encouragement from the Yugoslav government. — Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026

Messages of encouragement are also being included in the shipments. — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 1 July 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

For almost every negative comment, there are several more filled with kindness, encouragement, and support. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for encouragement

• discouragement