as in to urge
to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action
the speaker exhorted the graduating students to go forth and try to make a difference in the world
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Recent Examples of exhort
As the timer passed seven minutes, Steve Eckert exhorted a whimpering young man to dunk his head underwater.
—
Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
After a steal and dunk by Reed put UConn back up by six, Huskies coach Dan Hurley began waving his arms wildly at the fans behind his bench, exhorting them to be louder.
—CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Lloyd exhorted the crowd a few times.
—ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026
Dezenzo exhorted local organizations to coordinate with the Planning Board to present a united community front and improve chances for success.
—Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exhort
Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
After a steal and dunk by Reed put UConn back up by six, Huskies coach Dan Hurley began waving his arms wildly at the fans behind his bench, exhorting them to be louder.
—CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Lloyd exhorted the crowd a few times.
—ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026
Dezenzo exhorted local organizations to coordinate with the Planning Board to present a united community front and improve chances for success.
—Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exhort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhort
Verb
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Schloesser, who has worked at Amazon for nearly six years, urged Seattle officials to require data center developers to commit to using renewable energy to power facilities and no longer use non-disclosure agreements or shell companies when announcing new projects.—
Annie Palmer,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
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On Wednesday, Rollins urged pet owners to keep a close watch for signs of discomfort, open wounds or larvae or eggs near body openings.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Speaking between ballots, Tafoya repeatedly reminded delegates about the importance of winning the general election, while Schwarze encouraged them not to compromise their principles.—
Jay Gabler,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2026
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Kramer said the attendance cap was intentional and designed to encourage visitors to attend events throughout the region.—
Ben Wheeler
May 29,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exhort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhort. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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