encouragement

noun

en·​cour·​age·​ment in-ˈkər-ij-mənt How to pronounce encouragement (audio)
-ˈkə-rij-,
en-
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.
Ideas are met with encouragement, ambition is recognized rather than questioned, and growth feels limitless. Rachelle Rutherford, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025 Both documents were filed under seal, so not released to the public, and followed encouragement from the judge presiding over the case to investigate likely violations of the court’s gag order. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 5 Aug. 2025 With encouragement from President Donald Trump and the White House, Texas Republicans are redrawing their congressional map to create five new districts the GOP could flip next year, in a bid to insulate their House majority. Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2025 Past dinner auctions, with spirited encouragement from Salma Hayek Pinault, have featured exclusive experiences and products from each brand. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 31 July 2025 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 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on encouragement

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