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 Some neighborhoods that once offered little encouragement now organize unofficial aid stations and cheer for passing runners. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026 In an August cover story for Femi Magazine, Kilgore reflected on how his mother’s love and encouragement continued to motivate him after her death. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2026 This encouragement has been one of the cornerstones of Wilson’s season. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026 For a film in Ladakhi, grounded in the culture and realities of Ladakh, this support offers real encouragement to tell a story that might otherwise struggle to reach the screen and a wider audience. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for encouragement

Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouragement

Noun

In fact, a natural-resource provider's economic incentive is to minimize demand.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
Check whether individual and departmental incentives support the company’s broader objectives or encourage people to optimize at one another’s expense.

— Dr. Nore Salman, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

Explaining the impetus for her piece, Salcedo pointed to current conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Syria, and Sudan, where people are being violently displaced en masse.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Many of today’s proponents are more likely to cite the threat of unprecedented fortunes to democracy than the need for redistribution as the impetus for a wealth tax.

— Daniel Waldenstrom, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

While no explosive devices have yet been found following bomb threats, the motivation behind the reports remains unclear.

— Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
But Pessiglione suspects that psychological factors, such as motivations and beliefs, also play a key role.

— Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of motivation

Noun

Even seemingly small increases—like switching from 10-pound to 12-pound dumbbells, for example—can provide enough of an effective stimulus to build strength without over-stressing your body.

— Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 3 Nov. 2026
China’s economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter thanks to the country’s powerful export machine, with domestic consumption still lagging and the authorities showing little interest in fiscal stimulus.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of stimulus

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 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of encouragement

noun

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