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

Spacing of races will be important as encouragement for participation in the six-race series in a five-month span. — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Instead, organizers hope those in attendance left better prepared to recognize when a young athlete needs encouragement, support or professional help long before the final whistle. — Timothy Dashiell, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2026

The move did not result in a goal, but the direct play off the ball helped open a stubborn defence in a way that could offer encouragement for when Premier League teams sit back against Arsenal this season. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Since Jackie's hospitalization, fans have closely followed updates from the Ojai Raptor Center and Friends of Big Bear Valley, leaving thousands of messages of encouragement on social media. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for encouragement

• discouragement