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

Deschamps was captain, the imparter of constant encouragement. — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Making friends and feeling at home takes time, so patience and encouragement can make a big difference. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 20 July 2026

All are benefiting from the encouragement provided by the eatery's founder, Amin Sheikh. — Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, Christian Science Monitor, 20 July 2026

Still, even with that encouragement, the thought of starting over again with someone new has been an emotional adjustment. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for encouragement

• discouragement