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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Recent Examples of motivate
Yet some people can’t motivate themselves to walk regularly.
—
Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Smith is clearly motivated for the upcoming matchup.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
So what motivates the security experts who oppose them?
—Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 1 Aug. 2025
Both players have full no-trade clauses but could be motivated to waive them for the right fit.
—Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivate
Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Smith is clearly motivated for the upcoming matchup.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
So what motivates the security experts who oppose them?
—Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 1 Aug. 2025
Both players have full no-trade clauses but could be motivated to waive them for the right fit.
—Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivate
Verb
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Those ordinary demands may encourage AI use even more.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
17 Aug. 2025
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The Terminator 2: Judgement Day star also shared encouraging words for others who might be struggling with their own mental health.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Suspect arrested on scene The suspect, who was not publicly identified, was arrested after bystanders persuaded him to drop his firearm.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
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Trump has persuaded them to align with Putin’s rejection of the ceasefire and instead adopt an overall peace deal view.—
Andy J. Semotiuk,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Obama did much of this without Republicans forcing his hand.—
Brian Domitrovic,
Forbes.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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India insists its military prowess forced Pakistan into that ceasefire.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As investors dissect the offering (and as Figma’s stock settles back a bit, falling 27% on Monday), an equally important set of questions are in the air: Will Figma’s debut entice other startups to jump into the fray, bringing an end to the tech industry’s IPO drought?—
Alexandra Sternlicht,
Fortune,
5 Aug. 2025
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With the current economic slowdown, will the Live Local law entice more developers to build workforce housing?—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The venue will offer live music, a used vinyl boutique, and a menu inspired by the neighborhood's Polish and Italian heritage.—
Sofia Joseph,
jsonline.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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The smells that inspire the fragrance mastermind at Hermès By Linda Wells Photo-Illustration: Chop Choppish Shop Read On Machine-Head Slumber Party New cutting-edge earbuds block noise and lull you to sleep.—
Jeanne Malle,
Air Mail,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Typically, a sluggish economy leads to low inflation, allowing the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates to stimulate more borrowing and activity.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
16 Aug. 2025
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It’s administered as two spritzes—one in each nostril—and stimulates antibodies against the influenza virus in the nasal passages and bloodstream to protect against serious disease.—
Alice Park,
Time,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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And with Trump making concession after concession, Beijing may want to consolidate its recent gains and aim even higher, perhaps inducing Trump to make further compromises over tariffs, export controls, and Taiwan.—
Scott Kennedy,
Time,
16 Aug. 2025
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The irony is that the extended support induced reversal comes just after Windows 11 finally achieved its market milestone.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivate. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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