MOTIVATE Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

motivate

verb

Definition of motivate

as in to encourage

to rouse to action or activity The presence of treats motivated the dogs to obey their owner's commands. They drove a campaign to motivate voters to show up to the polls.

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of motivate The study found that saving money motivated consumers more than environmental reasons for repair. — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 The anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office, known as PNAT, said its investigation included looking at whether the shooting was racially or religiously motivated. — CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 To our guests, thank you for your support and curiosity, which motivates us to keep pushing. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026 Lopez said road rage might have motivated the shooting, saying the conflict between the two cars might have gone on for several blocks, culminating with the shooting. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motivate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivate

Verb

Palestine Action founder Huda Ammori encouraged joining offshoot groups to circumvent the ban, the Telegraph reported.

— Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
Meta encourages its users to name their AIs—and encourages its AIs to think like humans.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

The university admissions replacement system still has to be designed, and legal changes may be needed — leaving crucial decisions unresolved even as the government seeks to persuade students to end their protests.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
The challenge was not simply to persuade undecided voters, but to get those who already preferred him to show up at the polls.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

Rather than chasing fancy titles or splashy paychecks throughout her career, she’s gravitated toward jobs that pushed her out of her comfort zone, forced her to take risks, and taught her to embrace a little chaos.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
The defense once again gave the offense an opportunity, forcing an Argyle punt, and this time, Heritage capitalized with a 2-yard rushing TD from Vargas to cut the lead to 7 points.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of force

Verb

Emirates, which has nearly returned to its prewar capacity, is trying to entice more connecting travelers on long-haul flights to make a stop in Dubai.

— Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
The 17-year-old said there is a lot of peer pressure to vape, and the product flavors and designs are enticing for teens.

— Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of entice

Verb

The move stimulated the private sector and accelerated the deployment of EV infrastructure, Vesser said.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Issagholyan built out a 24-session plan to course-correct, involving twice weekly visits in which I would be chiropractically adjusted, my jaw cold-lasered to promote cellular regeneration and my back muscles stimulated by electrodes.

— Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of stimulate

Verb

Mattresses and linens are unsurprisingly comfortable—the Langham’s bedding has, after all, become synonymous with inducing deep slumbers.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
Gaps where electrons can sit, called holes, can also induce superconductivity at not-so-cold temperatures, just in a slightly different way.

— Sven Badoux, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026