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

Throughout the episode, Luke texts Joy words of encouragement and romantically announces that a plate of vegetables at a restaurant reminded him of her. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026

Weeks later, at the encouragement of friends, Doe reported what had occurred to the Cornell University Police Department, her lawsuit says. — Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026

For fifth grader Emely Cruz Castro, that encouragement is making a difference. — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Players, who saw signs of encouragement despite not getting a victory, are taking a day-by-day attitude. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for encouragement

• discouragement