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
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
In the clip, Haley found a treasure trove of eggs beneath a couch, and, at Kotb's encouragement, split the loot with her sister, giving her two eggs to open.
—
Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024
After some encouragement, Lopez made the journey and waited two hours for his three-minute slot.
—Olivia McCormack, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024
With training and encouragement from their human owners, the birds engaged in daily gameplay sessions of less than 30 minutes each for three months, using basic tablets.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024
Junio was a constant source of information and encouragement heading into a junior year where Iriafen stepped up and never considered stepping off.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2024
Bonding with listeners After sharing her diagnosis, listeners called in to offer support, encouragement and prayers.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2024
When the trail looped back on itself, fans stopped at its edge, shouting encouragement to the hikers below.
—Claire O’Callahan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024
Despite the encouragement, Williams lost her first-round match 6-3, 6-3 to 19-year-old rising Russian star Diana Shnaider, who played college tennis at North Carolina State and left early to turn pro.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2024
Justice Amy Coney Barrett said barring encouragement would be a sweeping restriction and could prohibit, for example, the FBI from asking platforms to remove personal information about a public official, an activity known as doxing.
—Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2024
Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024
After some encouragement, Lopez made the journey and waited two hours for his three-minute slot.
—Olivia McCormack, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024
With training and encouragement from their human owners, the birds engaged in daily gameplay sessions of less than 30 minutes each for three months, using basic tablets.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024
Junio was a constant source of information and encouragement heading into a junior year where Iriafen stepped up and never considered stepping off.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2024
Bonding with listeners After sharing her diagnosis, listeners called in to offer support, encouragement and prayers.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2024
When the trail looped back on itself, fans stopped at its edge, shouting encouragement to the hikers below.
—Claire O’Callahan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024
Despite the encouragement, Williams lost her first-round match 6-3, 6-3 to 19-year-old rising Russian star Diana Shnaider, who played college tennis at North Carolina State and left early to turn pro.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2024
Justice Amy Coney Barrett said barring encouragement would be a sweeping restriction and could prohibit, for example, the FBI from asking platforms to remove personal information about a public official, an activity known as doxing.
—Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'encouragement.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near encouragement
Cite this Entry
“Encouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encouragement. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on encouragement
Nglish: Translation of encouragement for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of encouragement for Arabic Speakers
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