encouragement

noun

en·​cour·​age·​ment in-ˈkər-ij-mənt How to pronounce encouragement (audio)
-ˈkə-rij-,
en-
1
: the act of encouraging : the state of being encouraged
2
: something that encourages

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Axios reported last month that Trump stopped short of endorsing Rogers during a February dinner at Mar-a-Lago with Republican senators, but offered encouragement. M.l. Elrick, Freep.com, 23 July 2025 Others shared words of encouragement and admiration for Savage. Colson Thayer, People.com, 22 July 2025 During moments of downtime, when Kong rests at camps found throughout the world, Pauline even gives him words of encouragement. PC Magazine, 16 July 2025 The 53-year-old ageless wonder was bouncing around the football field barking encouragement, shouting out orders and running circles around participants — many nearly 40 years his younger — at the Orlando Quarterback Shootout and Battle in the Pit. Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for encouragement

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encouragement was in 1549

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Cite this Entry

“Encouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encouragement. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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