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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Instead, the drive has redirected its energy toward dropping cards of encouragement and flowers at the homes of service members' families.
—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Leo has already offered words of encouragement to Cameroon’s youth, including in his opening speech to President Paul Biya, at 93 the world’s oldest leader.
—ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
The gifts arrived after a season marked by Underwood’s unflinching honesty as a judge, proving that real critique and deep encouragement can absolutely coexist.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2026
The Flip Off star concluded her sweet message with more words of encouragement for her boyfriend.
—Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouragement
Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Leo has already offered words of encouragement to Cameroon’s youth, including in his opening speech to President Paul Biya, at 93 the world’s oldest leader.
—ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
The gifts arrived after a season marked by Underwood’s unflinching honesty as a judge, proving that real critique and deep encouragement can absolutely coexist.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2026
The Flip Off star concluded her sweet message with more words of encouragement for her boyfriend.
—Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encouragement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouragement
Noun
-
For years, states have used incentives and tax breaks to compete for data centers, sought for their massive investment in construction and equipment.—
Kevin Hardy,
Baltimore Sun,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The goal was to stimulate economic development and job creation in distressed areas around the country by providing tax incentives to investors who would back the projects.—
David Lyons,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And all of that had to go aside from the impetus and a few choice lines.—
Peter Larsen,
Oc Register,
23 Apr. 2026
-
And that was the impetus of Mile End Kicks.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Although the trial may have gone in Scott's favor, Gill was highly critical of the Middletown narcotic detective's actions and questioned his motivation.—
Juliet Pennington,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
-
This tax finally gave companies motivation to prioritize accounting for these societal costs.—
Larz May,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The upbeat growth at the start of 2026 has reduced pressure for additional stimulus, prompting economists to push back expectations for interest rate cuts.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This time, economists say the job market and consumer spending are weaker, and there are no large government stimulus checks being issued to spur demand.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouragement. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
