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

• 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

Help others navigate their paths with honesty and encouragement—not just career advice but life insight. —Shikha Bajaj, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Your encouragement and support mean more than words can ever express. —Luke Chinman, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025

And their tandem performance within the broader play of the line sure lent some encouragement to various visions of the regular season, which the team begins against the Chargers on Sept. 5 in Brazil. —Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2025

Trump will have to accept Ukraine’s right to sovereignty as an indispensable element of the deal, changing Moscow’s approach by using coercion and encouragement. —Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Affairs, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for encouragement

• discouragement