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 Greenidge, an award-winning public historian, refuted all charges, and told the New York Times that attacks on her scholarship were racially motivated. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026 Happen Bank motivates its depositors with a 4% base annual percentage yield for savings accounts with more than $250 in average monthly deposits and offers 2% back for on-time loan payments for checking accounts. — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026 Experts say that while some event contracts — such as the personal life of pop stars — aren’t as easy to manipulate, other scenarios could be rife with insider trading or, in the case of wildfire contracts, motivate people to commit arson. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 The former San Diego State standout showcasing the skills that motivated the Dolphins to select him with the draft’s 27th pick. — Omar Kelly august 15, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motivate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivate

Verb

While the colors blend in with the landscape and may draw your eye outside, the rooms also encourage procrastinating.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Lee told the Queen that her husband’s candidness has encouraged many to feel more comfortable with their own cancer journeys.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

The king’s openness in talking about his diagnosis has been credited with persuading more men to be tested for prostate cancer and other forms of the disease.

— Danica Kirka, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Save to wishlist Melin Tregwynt Welsh Blanket Sanneh, who Miron Ahlers persuaded to join The Trail Club, sees the house as the next phase of the club.

— Sara Ruffin Costello, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

His removal triggered mass protests that lasted for weeks but ultimately failed to force a reversal of the decision.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
The throw arrived in time but landed several feet short, forcing Knizner in an awkward position to make a difficult pick.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of force

Verb

Offering a 35% incentive aimed at stiffening up jobs here and enticing post-production to relocate to the Golden State, AB 2319 is racing toward a vote in the state Senate by next week once the bill is in final shape.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Marvel Studios began moving its production operations to Georgia, enticed by the state’s uncapped tax credits that could be used for actors’ salaries.

— Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of entice

Verb

The restaurant's menu is inspired by the history of Menorca, especially the period of French occupation in the 18th century, which had a significant influence on the island’s cuisine.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
The film seeks to celebrate Guillén’s life while honoring the tireless advocacy of her family, whose campaigning inspired lasting legislative change and amplified the voices of military families.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of inspire

Verb

Instead, some industry leaders advocate for the US government to become an ambitious early customer, stimulating domestic demand and building a resilient supply chain, mirroring China's successful strategy.

— John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Stronger trade winds help to move warm surface water away from the South American coast, which stimulates upwelling—that is, the movement of cold, dense, and nutrient-rich deep ocean water toward the surface.

— John P. Rafferty, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of stimulate

Verb

Marshall had been charged with defrauding his mother’s estate of millions by inducing her to change her will in his favor after her mental capacity had faded.

— Robert D. Mcfadden, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
The frame of this printer is rigid and stout to minimize error-inducing vibration during printing; HeyGears says layer positioning errors are no more than 2 microns.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026