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
Celebrate each win — even minor ones — so that encouragement can fuel your future.
—
Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
As Lockett struggled, Simmons interrupted with words of encouragement and a reminder to the room that his young teammate was a newcomer to this setting.
—Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 3 Jan. 2026
Sometimes, a few words of encouragement go a long way.
—Libby Smith, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
The program provides support and encouragement to those who are struggling with grief.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encouragement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encouragement
Noun
-
The official boundaries of the new stadium incentive district have not yet been finalized.—
-
The grocer will also receive a $50,000 retailer incentive bonus.—
Noun
-
Similar moves in other antitrust actions, including the recent settlements in American college sports, have proven pivotal, with an initial settlement with one party providing the impetus for other parties to settle as well.—
-
Their impetus was to subvert the expectations of stories involving characters from their community.—
Noun
-
Duffy denied any political motivation.—
-
His content, often featuring humorous music about food was intended as motivation for Lomax’s own health journey.—
Noun
-
If the labor market is improving and the Supreme Court delivers the expected tariff refunds, the Fed would have almost no justification for adding further stimulus to the economy via a new round of cheaper money.—
-
There’s the stimulus from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the prospect of lower interest rates from a more dovish incoming Federal Reserve chair, and the benefits from artificial intelligence accruing to the real economy — major pillars maintaining a bullish outlook .—
Cite this Entry
“Encouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encouragement. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share