Synonyms of encouragement

encouragement

noun

in-ˈkər-ij-mənt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• incentive
• impetus
• motivation
• stimulus
• momentum
• spur
• boost
• impulse
• provocation
• catalyst
• instigation
• stimulant
• fuel
• reason
• yeast
• goad
• incitement
• invitation
• consideration
• shot in the arm
• inducement
• incitation
• cause
• motive
• spark
• occasion
• grounds
• antecedent
• catalyzer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disincentive
• counterincentive

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of encouragement

Women also receive less encouragement to pursue local office from their family and community networks. — Emma Schroeder, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026

Her former supervisor, Sheila Rivera, director of urology surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, became a source of support and encouragement. — Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Jonah himself is remaining positive while keeping his spirits up thanks to the love, support and encouragement of his family, friends and all those doctors and nurses who care so much for him. — Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Rutley, recipient of the Christopher Reeve Emerging Talent Award, noted that the ceremony fell on his 41st birthday and offered encouragement to actors still waiting for their breakthrough. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026