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

In Queen Mother, Farmer takes a clear-eyed look at Moore’s foibles, noting her absenteeism during her son’s formative years, her embrace of patriarchal hierarchy in Black communities, and her exhortations for Black women to embrace polygyny to facilitate nation building. —Dara T. Mathis, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025

His view toward law could be summarized in his indelicate three-word exhortation to his fellow prisoners at Nuremberg to show no remorse for crime and no respect for law. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025

The exhortation from players and fans alike is directed toward Bubacarr Jallow, and encapsulates the unique, aggressive style the senior defender and midfielder exudes. —Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025

Who knows — this one might, in tiny increments, one acoustic guitar lick or exhortation to live fully at a time. —Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025

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