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
What motivates one person may block the next.
—
Jose Luis Gonzalez Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
23 June 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
Jose Luis Gonzalez Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
23 June 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
-
Rissetto encourages her patients to cut back on alcoholic beverages.
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Reclaiming this original spirit encourages leaders to prioritize ethical conduct, the common good, and judge individuals by their actions and inherent potential, fostering inclusive and merit-based environments.
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.
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Named for the English resort city of Bath, Bath County entices visitors to slow down and connect with nature.
Verb
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The structure forces you to stay invested, which can help people avoid emotional decisions, like selling early, Davidoff said.
-
Drawn into a love story with a familiar collaborator as her path intersects with women of different ages and cultural backgrounds, all fighting to take control of their own destinies, Maxine finds herself on a journey of self-discovery that forces her to confront the choices shaping her life.
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
-
Pay attention to who celebrates your growth, inspires you and supports your endeavors.
-
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
Verb
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Cryotherapy–brief exposure to very low temperatures–stimulates circulation and helps soothe sore muscles.
-
The mature, honest dialogue offers a sense of resolve, ushering you into a pleasant space that stimulates you to nurture yourself.
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.
-
Match play naturally induces fatigue and can disrupt sleep.
Verb
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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 29 Jun. 2026.
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