ENCOURAGEMENT Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

encouragement

noun

in-ˈkər-ij-mənt

Definition of encouragement

as in incentive

something that arouses action or activity the huge rebates that the auto companies were offering were all the encouragement I needed to buy a new car

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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.

Recent Examples of encouragement That encouragement from Orlando’s new coaching staff under Sean Sweeney has translated to hard work on the court from Penda. — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026 Johnson’s carapace is detailed with skin-like textures, swollen bicep veins and living tattoos that offer him encouragement and advice. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 When confiding in one another, Sawyer always had the kindest words of encouragement. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 8 July 2026 Alexandria government roasted for absurd anti-fireworks tweet The government of Alexandria tweeted Wednesday a blunt warning about fireworks — and encouragement to snitch on your neighbors. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for encouragement

Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouragement

Noun

The people who did it anyway The objection says courage doesn't survive the incentives.

— Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
The total value of this incentive is estimated to be $239,192.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

Part of the impetus was a recent initiative called the Outdoor Adventure and Alternative Sports Strategic Plan, which sought to identify how Denver could offer more recreation opportunities to residents.

— Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 17 July 2026
The impetus for baseball to seize control of in-market games was accelerated by the demise of the Main Street Sports RSNs, which marooned nine MLB clubs.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

Analysts said the persistence of such underlying weakness also raises the question of whether Chinese officials will turn to more fiscal stimulus to try and boost domestic spending.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
The stutter, in this case, provides a sudden stimulus that triggers the ’keeper to commit to going in a certain direction early, which can then be exploited with a shot sent the other way.

— Geir Jordet, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of stimulus

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encouraged

encouragement

encouragements

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“Encouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouragement. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of encouragement

noun

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