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 In Quadlin and Rudel’s article, a student might become interested in the idea of student debt as either a responsibility that motivates them or a liability that constrains them. — Saurabh Anand, JSTOR Daily, 24 Sep. 2026 In Australia, a mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in 2025, in which two men are accused of killing 15 Jewish people, was motivated by the shooters' IS affiliations, the authorities allege. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 That success motivated the production to keep looking for its audience, ultimately inspiring Thompson to take the scenic route on the way to proving his debut deserved more life. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 2026 The grand jury didn't find any evidence suggesting a crime occurred, or that Wells' death was motivated by race, and also took direct aim at the theories circulating on social media about the people on the boats. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motivate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivate

Verb

While the rest of the table is encouraging growth and forgiveness, Meredith is refusing to budge, completely stonewalling this apology and completely willing to die on this hill.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
The dairy farmer agreed with a comment from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins encouraging Americans to seek out other forms of protein, including turkey, amid a rise in the cost of beef.

— Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

But those advances shouldn’t persuade us that anatomy has finished teaching us.

— Subramaniam C. Krishnan, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026
Tony Forte, president of USAngling, the sanctioning body, said the tournament will be a showcase to persuade the International Olympic Committee to include bass fishing at the Summer Olympics.

— Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

Rather than forcing clarity, give the situation time to reveal itself.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
In May, the TPLF forced out regional leader Tadesse Werede, who reported to Abiy, and replaced him with a new council led by TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael, who led the Tigrayans in the previous conflict.

— SAMUEL GETACHEW, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of force

Verb

Hopefully this is going to entice us in Sweden to watch more films from our neighboring countries.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
Turkey’s growing hair transplant and restoration industry in particular entices people with easy-to-digest all-inclusive packages advertised on their websites, online placements, and social media.

— Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of entice

Verb

Contributor Juliet Kinsman shares stories that inspire impact as a speaker, writer, and educator.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Looking closer, the collection features the Pista style is a low-profile driver sneaker inspired by classic motorsport footwear, while the Court III is an everyday sneaker rooted in the legacy of classic German army trainers.

— Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of inspire

Verb

The intimate spa offers a number of different treatments and beauty rituals, but the standout one is Oro di Amalfi, an exclusive massage with natural lemon oils that relaxes and stimulates the chakras.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
When a sensor detected movement in a rat’s front paw, another device was automatically activated to stimulate a hind-leg muscle, producing a contraction that mimicked part of the animal’s natural walking motion.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of stimulate

Verb

Inserra also paid Schlenhardt a compliment that was gasp-inducing in itself.

— Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
While movies may show an inheritance where someone goes from rags to riches, in reality, most folks end up with physical items rather than a luxury-inducing windfall.

— Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026