as in diligent
having a strong desire for personal advancement
He was lauded by faculty as an exceptionally hardworking, curious, and motivated student. The company was looking for motivated self-starters to fill the sales position.
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as in encouraged
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
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Recent Examples of motivated
Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025
Which accounts for why Mahomes surely is more motivated by what’s before him than what’s behind him.
—Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2025
Their main goal will not be to understand precisely what motivated the attacker, but rather the evolution of the shooter’s radicalization and any warning signs that may have gone unheeded.
—Ernesto Londoño, Twin Cities, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivated
Adjective
Use a fitness tracker or pedometer to track your progress and stay motivated.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025
Which accounts for why Mahomes surely is more motivated by what’s before him than what’s behind him.
—Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
Officials didn’t say what may have motivated the killings.
—Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2025
Their main goal will not be to understand precisely what motivated the attacker, but rather the evolution of the shooter’s radicalization and any warning signs that may have gone unheeded.
—Ernesto Londoño, Twin Cities, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivated
Adjective
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This suspect has now been stopped in his tracks because of the diligent and tenacious work done by investigators at both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The researchers concluded that, especially in relatively dense neighborhoods, even if residents take diligent action in defense of their own houses, that may not matter much if their neighbors don’t.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Mixing and matching is encouraged.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Labradors are often more energetic and bred for hunting, retrieving, and service work, whereas goldens are prized for their patience, friendliness, and trainability.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Inspired by the tradition of the divine feminine, the energetic space captivates with colors, abstract wall art and a goddess sculpture done by the dynamic sister artist duo’s mother.—
Spencer Whaley,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Though Andre officially ended things with his other flame, Ashley (Jen Jacob), Dani's daughter's abduction has forced her to spend some questionable quality time with her ex-husband Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett), who, it should be noted, shares a last name with Devon Winters' birth mother Yolanda.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Sep. 2025
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On Sunday, Rodgers celebrated when the Steelers forced and recovered a fumble during a fourth-quarter kickoff return.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The training highlighted how quickly multiple dangers can erupt at once, and how determined authorities are to prepare for the next flashpoint.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Sep. 2025
-
According to several sources to RadarOnline, Prince William is determined to remove his uncle from the Firm.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Their leads include Dominican newcomer Valentina Shen Wu, who had to be persuaded several times to take on the role of the Chinese silk maker, Mei.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
8 Sep. 2025
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For his efforts, which also included spending more than $7,000 to trim trees and cut down two redwoods and a fir, he was rewarded with a certificate from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety that persuaded his insurer to maintain his coverage.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Saturday's opponent, Arkansas State, promises to have a much more dynamic attack with quarterback Jaylen Raynor and plenty of speed at the skill positions.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
5 Sep. 2025
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The Argentina squad has continued to get younger and more dynamic.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Consider Dubai, a dynamic playground that draws thousands of millionaires each year, enticed by its unmatched digital infrastructure and lavish lifestyle offerings.—
Murad Salikhov,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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As of May, the prospect of infrastructure investment and a link to the world’s second largest economy has enticed up to 150 countries — representing around 40% of global GDP — to join the BRI through Memoranda of Understanding with China, the GFDC added.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motivated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivated. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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