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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Example Sentences

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 Someone could offer knowledge, encouragement, or an introduction that makes an idea feel less imaginary. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026 Sorkin and Fincher have remained close, and Sorkin has continued to rely on Fincher’s insight and encouragement. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026 Behind the bright lights and roaring crowds at Atlanta Dream games, players can step into a quieter space for prayer, encouragement, and support. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026 Later, Shelton elaborated on his girlfriend’s steadfast encouragement. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for encouragement

Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouragement

Noun

Give Jimbo a three-year deal at $1 million annually and load it with incentives.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026
The incentive structure rewarded those who pushed hardest against the limits.

— Jessica Vitiritti, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

The stadium announcer can be heard telling fans about some sort of promotion, so that might have been the impetus for Kelce’s Big Mac pep talk.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
The original impetus for quantum cosmology is to do with the fact that the Big Bang model is based on quantum matter, but classical gravity.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

The Libra Sun opposes Neptune across your work and rest zones, making concentration, motivation, or stamina feel less reliable than usual.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
Research from the Baylor University study shows that mid-morning breaks are the most effective at replenishing energy, concentration, and motivation, followed by periodic ones as needed.

— Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of motivation

Browse Nearby Words

encouraged

encouragement

encouragements

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“Encouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouragement. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of encouragement

noun

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