Synonyms of exhort

exhort

verb

ig-ˈzȯrt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• urge
• encourage
• nudge
• prompt
• goad
• egg (on)
• spur
• push
• prod
• coax
• beseech
• propel
• implore
• stimulate
• press
• provoke
• importune
• cajole
• hurry
• adjure
• drive
• rush
• incite
• wheedle
• hustle
• pressure
• foment
• instigate
• stir (up)
• nag
• needle
• high-pressure
• blandish
• soft-soap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourage
• deter
• check
• restrain
• dissuade
• brake
• inhibit
• curb
• constrain
• hold back

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of exhort

His firm, Strategy, has a business based around acquiring Bitcoin, with Saylor using his outsize social media presence to post memes exhorting others to do the same. — Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026

The housing advocates’ lawsuit, which Johnson exhorted, may in fact lack legal merit. — David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026

Amal and Hezbollah officials told the ambassador-designate to remain in Lebanon and exhorted the government to reverse its decision. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 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

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