encouragement

noun

en·​cour·​age·​ment in-ˈkər-ij-mənt How to pronounce encouragement (audio)
-ˈkə-rij-,
en-
1
: the act of encouraging : the state of being encouraged
2
: something that encourages

Examples of encouragement in a Sentence

Our aim is the encouragement of investment. the encouragement of plant growth teachers who give their students a lot of encouragement With support and encouragement from their parents, the students organized a fundraiser. They offered him gifts of money and other encouragements.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
After encouragement from several key players in conversations over the winter, Baldelli implemented the idea this spring. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 With encouragement from her daughter, Hannah (played by Abby Ryder Fortson), Maggie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately learning to love herself and to treat those around her with greater kindness. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025 Fans were quick to flock to the comment section, offering the pop star words of encouragement. Christina Dugan Ramirez, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025 And as an oldest child, Abdi took on a lot of responsibility for her younger siblings’ care, while also heeding her parents encouragement to focus on school, school, school. Courtney Crowder, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for encouragement

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encouragement was in 1549

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Encouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encouragement. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on encouragement

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!