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 Since Jackie's hospitalization, fans have closely followed updates from the Ojai Raptor Center and Friends of Big Bear Valley, leaving thousands of messages of encouragement on social media. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026 The generosity, enthusiasm, and encouragement from everyone involved made the day a huge success. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 But his avuncular encouragement of Tony in what could be absolute folly brings real heart to this section — until calamity intrudes. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026 With this kind of encouragement, kids learn that difficult things can become easier with practice. — Dana Suskind, Md, CNBC, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for encouragement

Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouragement

Noun

In order to convince people to replace solo driving with mass transit, LA Metro is offering cash incentives for people to park at least one of their cars at home and try walking, bike share, carpooling or taking a train or bus.

— Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
The move comes nearly two years after the City of Fort Worth approved more than $70 million in incentives to support Phase II redevelopment.

— Doug Myers, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

Essential California sat down with Ben Orbison, FOLAR’s director of strategic communications, and spoke about festival highlights and motivations.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Cross-functional access can then expand gradually, creating new opportunities while maintaining focus and motivation for growth.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of motivation

Noun

The government stimulus, however, threatened to deepen the fiscal challenges faced by Japan, whose public debt stands at more than 200% of gross domestic product.

— Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
And Obama was being seen at the time as being completely irresponsible in pursuing stimulus.

— David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 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 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of encouragement

noun

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