exhortation

noun

ex·​hor·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌsȯr-ˈtā-shən 

-sər-;

ˌeg-ˌzȯr-, 

-zər-

1

: an act or instance of exhorting

2

: language intended to incite and encourage

Examples of exhortation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Duckworth also faced backlash from critics who argued that her message was, at best, a series of hollow exhortations to simply try harder and, at worst, an insidious form of victim-blaming that ignored structural inequality. — Meghan O’Gieblyn, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

His character is a severe, hectoring figure; his lessons amount to an exhortation to be as mean as possible when money is concerned. — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026

The faith leader’s exhortation shows the depth of the divide in the Moskowitz-Larkin contest. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026

While his exhortation left off Brady’s signature profane intensifier, the motivational gambit remained explicit even in the absence of the familiar F-bomb. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exhortation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

exhortation

noun

ex·​hor·​ta·​tion ˌeks-ȯr-ˈtā-shən 

ˌegz-

: an act or instance of exhorting