MOTIVATES Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

motivates

verb

present tense third-person singular of motivate

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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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 motivates What motivates you to get up in the morning? —

Christopher Kaufman, Forbes.com, 1 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 The color of passion and energy, red, motivates us to take action, yet it is also used to signal danger. —

Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026 Active learning also allows students to follow their own curiosity, which motivates them to learn and remember concepts. —

Shelley Mitchell, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2026 Amid all their attacks and counter-attacks, what motivates each aggrieved party comes to light, painting a rich, empathetic portrait of lives lived under immense pressure — and the illogical outlets that sometimes become our only means of relief. —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivates

Verb

The scene of the two boys discussing Kayda is kind of funny, especially the number of times Zach laughs and encourages Bryce to go for it.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 12 June 2026
The new standard encourages companies to prioritize direct emissions reductions across operations and value chains, while at the same time adjusting systems within their operation where direct decarbonization isn’t possible.

— Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 12 June 2026