exhortation

noun

ex·​hor·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌsȯr-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce exhortation (audio)
-sər-;
ˌeg-ˌzȯr-, 
-zər-
Synonyms of exhortation
1
: an act or instance of exhorting
2
: language intended to incite and encourage

Examples of exhortation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The faith leader’s exhortation shows the depth of the divide in the Moskowitz-Larkin contest. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026 While his exhortation left off Brady’s signature profane intensifier, the motivational gambit remained explicit even in the absence of the familiar F-bomb. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026 Their exhortations to get rich quick, drive fast cars and aggressively treat women as property are followed by millions of people online. — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 22 July 2026 Lundberg writes that the poem is both an explication of the promise of America and an exhortation to persevere on behalf of the country. — The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhortation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exhortation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for exhortation

See All Rhymes for exhortation

Browse Nearby Words

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exhortation
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Cite this Entry

“Exhortation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhortation. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exhortation

noun
ex·​hor·​ta·​tion ˌeks-ȯr-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce exhortation (audio)
ˌegz-
: an act or instance of exhorting

More from Merriam-Webster on exhortation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for exhortation

Nglish: Translation of exhortation for Spanish Speakers

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