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 And there is nothing that motivates politicians, primarily members of Congress more, than hearing firsthand face-to-face concerns from their constituents in their districts. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026 According to the prosecutors, police and government hit squads carried out dozens of killings at Duterte’s orders, motivated by the promise of money or to avoid becoming targets themselves. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026 Kelce also had high praise for Chiefs fans and said the energy inside Arrowhead Stadium is what motivates him during practices. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026 There’s something motivating you that the rest of people right now just don’t understand. — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motivate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivate

Verb

Some commentators have said the move will encourage people to return to transacting in cash.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Creating opportunities for employees to experiment with AI and contribute ideas can also encourage a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

— Nishkam Batta, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

Notably, 26% of respondents said they could still be persuaded to vote for either candidate, leaving the race wide open.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
Anti-mafia prosecutor Alessandra Cerreti, who has persuaded dozens of women to testify against crime families across all Italy’s crime syndicates, admits the risks are high.

— Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

The Hurricanes’ defense made a big stand, forcing a holding in the end zone for a safety.

— Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland argues that artworks made by prisoners forced to do so in Nazi concentration camps are not their legal property.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of force

Verb

While Bryan the Medical Courier may not be a marquee attraction, Abrams plays his bumbling so hilariously yet relatably that some kids may be enticed.

— Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
Once inside the warehouse, shoppers tend to linger, enticed by a potent cocktail of comforting routine, retail adrenaline and cheap eats.

— Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of entice

Verb

This was partly inspired by the club’s latest investigations into apparent ‘ticket-touting’, when 1,149 fan accounts were banned, and more were threatened with having their season tickets revoked.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
The grounds pass concept was inspired by the fan-friendly atmosphere highlights at the US Openin New York City.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of inspire

Verb

Direct inhibitory currents appeared in a third of cells two millimeters out, and stimulating the visual cortex had measurable effects as far as frontal motor areas.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026
Prescription medicines that stimulate the salivary glands to make more saliva include Salagen (pilocarpine) and Evoxac (cevimeline).

— Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of stimulate

Verb

Alcantara induced flyouts from the first two batters in the ninth inning before walking Lars Nootbar.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
Perfecting the work inch by inch, writing from the first word toward the last, displays the courage and fear this method induces.

— James Folta, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2026