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

Moments later, a male student expressed the same desire to pursue sports journalism and received encouragement along with recommendations for podcasts and networking opportunities. — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

The parade marshals will appear at a booth where the public will be asked to write notes of encouragement to active military members. — Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026

Her willingness to share her personal journeys has touched countless lives and served as a source of strength and encouragement to many. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 25 June 2026

Despite several years of encouragement to apply less, farmers consistently apply more nitrogen and phosphorus than their crops actually need, our research suggests. — Nandita Basu, The Conversation, 24 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for encouragement

• discouragement