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 That the notion of being a more perfect union, not the perfect union, is really what motivates me. — NBC news, 5 July 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivates
  1. encourages
  2. entices
  3. forces
  4. persuades
  5. inspires
  6. stimulates
  7. induces
  8. provokes
Verb
  • Today’s astro-weather encourages us to be emotionally intelligent without being evasive.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
  • The hotel showcases contemporary artworks throughout its interiors, creating an atmosphere that encourages discovery beyond the city itself.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of encourages
Verb
  • 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.
    — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 May 2026
  • Named for the English resort city of Bath, Bath County entices visitors to slow down and connect with nature.
    — Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 27 May 2026
Definition of entices
Verb
  • Will’s obsessive, put-upon mother, Susan (Tandi Wright), belittles Alice, dresses her down for her attire at the funeral, and forces her to wear heels that don’t fit, leaving her feet bloody.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 10 July 2026
  • This system forces new buyers to shoulder a much higher tax rate, which effectively locks young and minority families out of the housing market.
    — Dale V.C. Holness, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026
Definition of forces
Verb
  • Your warmth persuades when details sparkle today.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
  • When he is held captive by the nymph Calypso, Athena persuades Zeus to secure Odysseus’s release.
    — Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 June 2026
Definition of persuades
Verb
  • Mars and Uranus’ alignment inspires you to follow your passions, but be mindful of the risks involved!
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • That being said, be sure to pay attention to what’s pushing your buttons, but also recognize what finally inspires you to charge ahead.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of inspires
Verb
  • Wild Orchard Farmstead is a quintessential regenerative organic property that stimulates every sense.
    — Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • But medication reduces only the symptoms of fear, not the underlying trigger that stimulates it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
Definition of stimulates
Verb
  • 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.
    — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
  • Match play naturally induces fatigue and can disrupt sleep.
    — Alan McCall, New York Times, 5 June 2026
Definition of induces
Verb
  • Another friend recounted the ins-and-outs of her 11-year-old’s baseball league, which provokes more political intrigue than a Hilary Mantel novel.
    — Mary Pauline Lowry, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • His jealousy provokes an act of betrayal and cruelty.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 June 2026
Definition of provokes

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Cite this Entry

“Motivates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivates. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of motivates for Spanish Speakers

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