as in motivational
serving or likely to arouse action or activity
The biggest motivating factor behind her decision to change jobs was the pay increase. The positive feedback he received was very motivating.
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as in encouraging
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 motivating
Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
Some of that was real, some of it was exaggerated, some of it was just imagined — and all of it became a potent, highly motivating political narrative.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Crockett has said the way to win is to focus on motivating Democrats.
—Jack Fink, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
Then on January 23rd, Mars enters Aquarius, activating your partnerships and motivating you to take action around commitment, collaboration, or conflict resolution.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 18 Jan. 2026
Payton prides himself on motivating his team, pushing the right buttons.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2026
What’s more, knowing your numbers can be motivating, Comite says.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 14 Jan. 2026
There’s something motivating about having this low, electronic drumbeat pushing you along, trying to go faster and faster and faster.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
Your 2nd House of Resources activates as the life-giving Sun conjoins combative Mars, motivating you to polish your skills, then price your improved work fairly.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
Mars couples with Pluto in your 3rd House of Disclosures, intensifying conversations and motivating you to speak with conviction while staying curious about others.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
Some of that was real, some of it was exaggerated, some of it was just imagined — and all of it became a potent, highly motivating political narrative.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Crockett has said the way to win is to focus on motivating Democrats.
—Jack Fink, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
Then on January 23rd, Mars enters Aquarius, activating your partnerships and motivating you to take action around commitment, collaboration, or conflict resolution.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 18 Jan. 2026
Payton prides himself on motivating his team, pushing the right buttons.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2026
What’s more, knowing your numbers can be motivating, Comite says.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 14 Jan. 2026
There’s something motivating about having this low, electronic drumbeat pushing you along, trying to go faster and faster and faster.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
Your 2nd House of Resources activates as the life-giving Sun conjoins combative Mars, motivating you to polish your skills, then price your improved work fairly.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivating
Adjective
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Years ago, Angela Duckworth, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, did not see much significance in the motivational tactics or customs of NFL players.—
Rustin Dodd,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
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It can be used as a motivational tool to foster a sense of camaraderie in sports or the classroom.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety is also encouraging impacted customers to contact them by submitting a complaint online or calling 303-866-4967.—
Austen Erblat,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
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Known for encouraging collaboration in a competitive industry, Brotherton was widely regarded as someone who championed other cooks as much as his own success.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In 1969, the Shah of Iran commissioned Leleu to make 51 tents for a sprawling installation commemorating the 2,500th anniversary of the founding of the Persian Empire—after three years, however, the bill was never paid, forcing the company to shut down.—
Stephanie Sporn,
Vogue,
27 Jan. 2026
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In 1979, a severe storm caused the roof of Kemper Arena to collapse, forcing the Kings to play at Municipal Auditorium, a much smaller venue that seated about 10,000 fans.—
Alexa Stone,
Kansas City Star,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Check out a few inspiring ideas below.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
27 Jan. 2026
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Which isn’t terribly useful or inspiring.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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According to Piper, the 2023 Hollywood strikes limited the number of movies released over the last few years, upgraded home entertainment systems enticing consumers to stay home more often and higher prices are among the reasons experts cite for the decline over the last five years.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
24 Jan. 2026
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Oracle boasts a $523 billion cloud contract backlog – huge multi-billion dollar agreements that should be enticing for investors.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The steady drumbeat of imagery out of Minnesota is persuading the last few persuadable voters that this deportation campaign has gone too far.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Jan. 2026
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Turkey has a strained relationship with Israel but good relations with Hamas and could play an important role in persuading the group to yield power in Gaza and disarm.—
Cara Anna,
Fortune,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
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More than two-thirds believe business investment will be stronger in 2026 than in 2025, likely the result of huge spending on artificial intelligence, but also tax changes stimulating investment.—
Steve Liesman,
CNBC,
27 Jan. 2026
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Rats housed in stimulating environments filled with toys, running wheels and social interaction developed larger, more complex brains than rats kept in standard cages.—
Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse,
The Conversation,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivating. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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