encouragement
noun
-ˈkə-rij-, en-\
Definition of encouragement
1 : the act of encouraging : the state of being encouraged
2 : something that encourages
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Synonyms & Antonyms for encouragement
Synonyms
boost, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast
Antonyms
counterincentive, disincentive
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Examples of encouragement in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
My parents encouraged me to be Josiah’s biggest fan, offer him support and encouragement. — Emily Strohm, PEOPLE.com, "Josiah Duggar Reveals the Advice His Parents Gave Him Before Wedding to Lauren Swanson," 11 July 2018 The canyon made clear their love, support and encouragement. — Alison Steinbach, azcentral, "Connecticut couple hikes into Grand Canyon to say 'I do'," 6 June 2018 The convenience of the canteen at Union Station also meant that any celebrity traveling into town either for war bond drives or theater appearances would make a quick detour to the canteen to offer their support and encouragement. — Dawn Mitchell, Indianapolis Star, "Union Station canteen was 'home away from home' for fighting forces," 30 Mar. 2018 The support group will consist of grief and loss education, sharing of individual experiences, group support and encouragement. — Linda Mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Church group serves dinner at shelter... more community news," 16 Feb. 2018 Henry said her husband Dale and her family were sources of support and encouragement. — Slim Smith, The Seattle Times, "Teacher uses her breast cancer fight to impart life lessons," 26 Jan. 2018 Not surprisingly, Seles served as a source of encouragement during a recent dark period in Kvitova’s life. — Sandra Harwitt, USA TODAY, "Petra Kvitova shares harrowing bond with Monica Seles," 30 June 2018 This is exactly the encouragement Sam needs to finally hear Ruth out. — Kathryn Lindsay, refinery29.com, "R29 Binge Club: Glow Season 2, Episodes 1-10," 29 June 2018 Behind him in the west grandstand's third row, a Ducks staffer in a green polo echoed that encouragement. — Andrew Greif, OregonLive.com, "As Oregon's Damarcus Simpson struggles, Buckeye takes NCAA title with huge leap," 7 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'encouragement.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for encouragement
encouragement
noun
English Language Learners Definition of encouragement
: the act of making something more appealing or more likely to happen
: something that makes someone more determined, hopeful, or confident
: something that makes someone more likely to do something
See the full definition for encouragement in the English Language Learners Dictionary
encouragement
noun
\
Kids Definition of encouragement
1 : something that gives hope, determination, or confidence Winning was just the encouragement she needed.
2 : the act of giving hope or confidence to His teacher's encouragement helped his grades.
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