Definitions

encouragement

[en-kur-ij-muhnt, -kuhr-] / ɛnˈkɜr ɪdʒ mənt, -ˈkʌr- /

NOUN

help, support

Synonyms

STRONGEST

assistance backing cheer comfort confidence consolation faith fortitude incentive inspiration optimism reassurance relief reward stimulation stimulus

STRONG

advance advocacy aid animation boost easement favor firmness helpfulness hope incitement invigoration promotion refreshment softening succor supporting trust urging

WEAK

consoling enlivening inspiritment reassuring relieving shot in the arm solacing

Antonyms

STRONGEST

annoyance discouragement distrust doubt gloom hindrance hurt injury

STRONG

disbelief impediment

WEAK

denunciation derision deterrent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It read: “A Sober Person, well recommended, who hath been us’d to the Employment of an Oysterman on York River, may meet with good Encouragement, on applying to Benjamin Bryan.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 2025

Encouragement for Postecoglou will also come from a lively first-half display by Son Heung-min against Villa.

From BBC • May 16, 2025

Encouragement also came from long-time customers like former fisherman Yasutaka Shishido, who had no qualms about buying local fish and vegetables.

From Reuters • Aug. 22, 2023

In this case, the express language of the Encouragement Provision is overbroad for at least three reasons.

From Slate • Jun. 27, 2023

I guess I had been looking toward the Encouragement above the TV, a drawing of an angel with the caption Without Pain, How Could We Know Joy?

From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

Vocabulary lists containing encouragement

Catching Fire

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Refugees Find New Lives"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Taste of Salt

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!