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
Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
The killing sparked a tense national debate over partisan rhetoric and politically motivated violence, with many conservatives calling for the firing of otherwise non-public figures who celebrated Kirk's death or spoke ill of him in some way.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Big Think, 22 Sep. 2025
John’s third-place finish motivated him to commit to the sport, and his hard work paid off.
—Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivated
Adjective
Having failed to win any of the three trophies the team played for so far this year, Inter Miami is highly motivated to repeat as Supporters’ Shield champions and win the first MLS Cup in club history.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
The killing sparked a tense national debate over partisan rhetoric and politically motivated violence, with many conservatives calling for the firing of otherwise non-public figures who celebrated Kirk's death or spoke ill of him in some way.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
Too many corporate stakeholders assume frontline employees are motivated by the same quarterly goals that matter at HQ.
—Big Think, 22 Sep. 2025
John’s third-place finish motivated him to commit to the sport, and his hard work paid off.
—Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivated
Adjective
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Associations that keep up with laws and embrace diligent management are simply better positioned for long-term stability and sustained owner confidence, even in the face of a shifting and sometimes unpredictable market.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
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Help recognize those keeping Anaheim beautiful Here is an opportunity to compliment and recognize your neighbors for their diligent work on maintaining their property.—
Andrea Manes,
Oc Register,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Any student feeling unsettled or affected by the incident is encouraged to take advantage of the support.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 Sep. 2025
-
After Jeremy encouraged Benny to show him his skills, Benny panicked.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Jubilant, energetic and celebratory — for small moments and big.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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With an intimate and energetic lens, the film pulls back the curtain on this iconic American gathering, and showcases the rhythms that bring the pow wow to life.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Jacksonville forced San Francisco to turn the ball over four times.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
29 Sep. 2025
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The veteran guard has joined a new team in August in three of the last four seasons and after training camp in the fourth, she was forced to adapt to a different set of teammates and plays in a hurry.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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After Europe claimed the Cup in Rome in 2023, Team USA is determined to reclaim it on home soil.—
Katie Ann Lehman,
Variety,
25 Sep. 2025
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But things start to unravel when Abbie and Leila become determined to break free from the facility.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Engels persuaded the skeptical Marx that the working class was history’s true engine.—
Shai Tubali,
Big Think,
30 Sep. 2025
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Bivins would end up betraying Villar when FBI agents persuaded him to call the roofer on July 15, 2024, on their burner cellphones.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
25 Sep. 2025
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The machine’s dynamic focusing system ensures uniform marking, guaranteeing accuracy and consistency across production.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The fantastic scripts have enticed such esteemed and exciting talent, led by Daisy and Bella.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
18 Sep. 2025
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The sparkling candy paint and big rims enticed me.—
Manuel Muñoz,
Literary Hub,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motivated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivated. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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