encouragement

noun

en·​cour·​age·​ment in-ˈkər-ij-mənt How to pronounce encouragement (audio)
-ˈkə-rij-
en-
Synonyms of encouragementnext
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.
Jacksonville Free Press reporter Lynn Jones offered encouragement to Jaguars coach Liam Coen during a postgame presnews conference instead of asking a question. Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026 In a world where smartphone use is nearly universal, such apps can deliver personalized support at 3 AM when cravings hit, provide immediate encouragement after a slip-up, and track progress in ways that feel rewarding rather than clinical. New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2026 Sirianni gave Bigsby two notes of encouragement during team meetings — both the size of business cards. Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 People also flooded her comments and DMs with prayers, encouragement and stories of their own. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026 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 21 Jan. 2026.

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