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

This encouragement has been one of the cornerstones of Wilson’s season. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

For a film in Ladakhi, grounded in the culture and realities of Ladakh, this support offers real encouragement to tell a story that might otherwise struggle to reach the screen and a wider audience. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026

During the ensuing replay review, Porter stood with his arms around Brown, offering encouragement. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026

Among the biggest changes in the country have to do with changes to corporate governance, including the encouragement of companies to eliminate idle cash and focus more on shareholder returns, that's meant to support growth. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for encouragement

• discouragement