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 In times of war and tumult, America’s leaders used religious imagery for encouragement, while maintaining the separation of church and state as outlined in the First Amendment of the Constitution. — Scott Baldauf, Christian Science Monitor, 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 In the clip, Hayley inspects the hook while the couple’s three children offer encouragement from nearby. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 For those future divorcees, Lau has some encouragement from the other side. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for encouragement

Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouragement

Noun

Their movements are tracked, conversations are restricted, decisions are tightly controlled, and accomplishments are rewarded with superficial incentives.

— Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Some lawmakers are calling for the incentive to be scaled back or eliminated altogether.

— S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

The impetus for restructuring Part D was the lack of a cap on patient out-of-pocket costs for prescription medicines.

— Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
The missing piece Hellerstein had been working on putting together the museum’s Ebbets Field room for about seven years, but Judy’s death was the impetus for completing the project.

— Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 30 July 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

In fact, this is where our motivations become personal and perhaps even slightly irritating, especially if repressed emotions or sensitivities rise to the surface.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
These cultures stem from varied motivations, including wellness, entrepreneurship, and historical advocacy, rather than a monolithic consumer identity.

— Peter Su, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of motivation

Noun

And Obama was being seen at the time as being completely irresponsible in pursuing stimulus.

— David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
The services economy, more efficient technology, work-from-home policies and strong fiscal stimulus from tax decreases have enabled us to weather short-term oil spikes.

— Dryden Pence, Forbes.com, 27 July 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of encouragement

noun

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