as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity
fear of failing should be plenty of motivation to study for the test
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Recent Examples of motivation
Emotional breakdowns, difficulty focusing, lacking the motivation to eat, shower or interact with people often goes unseen.
—
Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Evans asked the public not to speculate on a motivation for the attacks.
—Jim Mustian, Twin Cities, 16 June 2025
That should matter to leaders, because real connection drives motivation, creativity, and well-being.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
But the vice president’s remarks also underscore the political motivations behind Saturday’s action.
—Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Evans asked the public not to speculate on a motivation for the attacks.
—Jim Mustian, Twin Cities, 16 June 2025
That should matter to leaders, because real connection drives motivation, creativity, and well-being.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
But the vice president’s remarks also underscore the political motivations behind Saturday’s action.
—Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivation
Noun
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While geothermal energy loses out in the current package, some Republicans, including U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, have called for the power source’s tax incentives to remain.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
13 June 2025
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This structure leaves little incentive for buyers locked into contracts to make any moves until the contract ends.—
Greg Robinson,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Noun
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However, America will be far better off when the impetus to adopt healthier habits falls on individuals and families, rather than Uncle Sam.—
Christina Smith,
Baltimore Sun,
9 June 2025
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While Otis continued pitching for the next couple of years, helping lead Columbine to the Class 5A title as a junior, the impetus for her switch to full-time outfielder came a few weeks before the start of her senior season.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
8 June 2025
Noun
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Rather than targeted, cautiously executed uses, many throw generative AI at any task imaginable, with Big Tech’s encouragement.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
18 June 2025
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For 16 years, the book quietly traveled in Sofia’s backpack, a secret project that blossomed into a treasure trove of encouragement and heartfelt memories.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
18 June 2025
Noun
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Triggered by sensory stimuli such as music, scents and foods, nostalgia has the power to mentally transport us back in time.—
Chelsea Reid,
The Conversation,
17 June 2025
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This psychological process, as first described by Ivan Pavlov, explains how our brains learn to associate unrelated stimuli with specific emotional outcomes.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivation. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.
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