motivator

noun

mo·​ti·​va·​tor ˈmō-tə-ˌvā-tər How to pronounce motivator (audio)
plural motivators
: one that motivates or impels someone or something
a subconscious motivator of behavior
: such as
a
: a factor or situation that causes people to feel motivated to do something : incentive
Only a fool, though, would deny that money is a very real and basic need and, of course, a motivator of sorts.Robert W. Corl
Exercising with someone else … can be a motivator.Joanne Lannin
Andre Harris, without basketball as a motivator, had slipped back into bad habits academically.John Feinstein
b
: a person who motivates others
But Romo's not an enabler; he's a motivator, says [Jessica] Simpson. "If I'm not feeling good about myself, he'll say, 'Get your butt up and go to the gym then!'"Michelle Tan

Examples of motivator in a Sentence

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.
The proud dad of three also shared that his growing family is one of his biggest motivators. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025 Fans traveled from across Wisconsin and even skipped school to support the team, citing socializing and love for the team as key motivators. Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025 But Erik Spoelstra was a star in 24th annual NBA general managers’ survey, voted as best head coach, best manager/motivator of people and also placing in a few other sub-categories. Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025 When asked about their reasons for moving to a new country, only a third of all respondents cited tax efficiency as a motivator. Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for motivator

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of motivator was in 1909

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motivator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivator. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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!