as in encourages
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 motivates
This type of leader is analytical while also being empathetic, and understands what motivates others.
—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
In a broader reflection on his career evolution, Johnson explained what motivates him now.
—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 June 2026
Kim said his father Albert also motivates him on the course and academically as a straight-A student.
—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
12 June 2026
This is the critical question that motivates hours of Pinterest perusing.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
Understanding the financial spiral that state receivership brings in the event of insolvency motivates me.
—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
Studies have shown that people with HSAs tend to spend less on healthcare, and such control motivates consumers to demand price transparency and shop for the best value.
—
Deborah Autor,
Boston Herald,
25 May 2026
Boxing tempts him, the business world motivates him and his role as a promoter excites him.
—
Jorge Ebro
may 6,
Miami Herald,
6 May 2026
Her determination to win the spirit's praise and to attain his immense gifts motivates her to achieve the ultimate dominant position.
—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
In a broader reflection on his career evolution, Johnson explained what motivates him now.
—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 June 2026
Kim said his father Albert also motivates him on the course and academically as a straight-A student.
—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
12 June 2026
This is the critical question that motivates hours of Pinterest perusing.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
Understanding the financial spiral that state receivership brings in the event of insolvency motivates me.
—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
Studies have shown that people with HSAs tend to spend less on healthcare, and such control motivates consumers to demand price transparency and shop for the best value.
—
Deborah Autor,
Boston Herald,
25 May 2026
Boxing tempts him, the business world motivates him and his role as a promoter excites him.
—
Jorge Ebro
may 6,
Miami Herald,
6 May 2026
Her determination to win the spirit's praise and to attain his immense gifts motivates her to achieve the ultimate dominant position.
—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivates
Verb
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Valentine also testified that the FDA encourages infant formula companies to send in all adverse event reports and that nothing prevented Mead Johnson from doing so.
-
Kalibrate’s program, according to the lawsuit, encourages gas stations to upload private price data.
Verb
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In a European women’s football ecosystem that still relies predominantly on the beneficence of men’s football, Kang’s bullishness to put her money where her mouth is naturally entices.
-
Named for the English resort city of Bath, Bath County entices visitors to slow down and connect with nature.
Verb
-
This forces the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve between the esophagus and the stomach, to open and close rapidly in succession.
-
Andy’s diagnosis pulled her back overnight—a common reality for glioblastoma families, since the disease often forces patients to stop working.
Verb
-
Your warmth persuades when details sparkle today.
-
When he is held captive by the nymph Calypso, Athena persuades Zeus to secure Odysseus’s release.
Verb
-
July 23 – August 22 Leo, your playful spark inspires teamwork now.
-
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
Verb
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But medication reduces only the symptoms of fear, not the underlying trigger that stimulates it.
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This hormone improves insulin sensitivity and stimulates GLP-1 secretion.
Verb
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The case drew widespread attention because Dee Dee was suspected of having Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a form of abuse in which a caregiver exaggerates, fabricates or induces illness in someone under their care.
-
Match play naturally induces fatigue and can disrupt sleep.
Verb
-
This ends up being just one of Aemond’s defining moments, which further provokes war.
-
His jealousy provokes an act of betrayal and cruelty.
Cite this Entry
“Motivates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivates. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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