Synonyms

exhort

American

[ig-zawrt] / ɪgˈzɔrt /

verb (used with object)

to urge, advise, or caution earnestly; admonish urgently.

Synonyms:

goad , press , spur , encourage

verb (used without object)

to give urgent advice, recommendations, or warnings.

Synonyms:

goad , press , spur , encourage

exhort British

/ ɪɡˈzɔːtətɪv, ɪɡˈzɔːt /

verb

to urge or persuade (someone) earnestly; advise strongly

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

exhortative adjective
exhorter noun
exhortingly adverb
unexhorted adjective

Etymology

Origin of exhort

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English ex(h)orte, from Latin exhortārī “to encourage greatly,” from ex- ex- ¹ + hortārī “to encourage, urge”

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.

The show ends by exhorting visitors to help continue the Declaration’s journey.

From The Wall Street Journal

Its anti-misogyny message—the refrain exhorts listeners to “think about it / do something about it”—was important to the couple.

From The Wall Street Journal

Abd-Al-Rahman exhorted his soldiers with the phrase “wipe out and sweep away” before they attacked, according to the decision.

From The Wall Street Journal

After exhorting his team to meet fear, fatigue and pressure with energy, Bunting did the same.

From BBC

The chorus, which appears in the final movement to exhort us to cease trembling and prepare to live, proved its own inspiration.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023