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
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
The success of resident pushback in places like Franklin Township and elsewhere are motivating them to keep fighting.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025
For some people, SMART goals can be really motivating.
—Kelly Mickle, SELF, 29 Dec. 2025
The endorsement of Tepper, who died in 2024, is still motivating her.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2025
However, the reasons behind declining financing costs – economic uncertainty – aren’t exactly motivating many folks to close a sale.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025
Prediction With more firepower and the home crowd motivating TCU, the Horned Frogs start their four-game gauntlet with a 31-17 win over Iowa State, setting up a massive showdown next week at BYU.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2025
If the gap between self and fitfluencer seems too wide, comparisons become discouraging, not motivating.
—Abby Frank, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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
The success of resident pushback in places like Franklin Township and elsewhere are motivating them to keep fighting.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025
For some people, SMART goals can be really motivating.
—Kelly Mickle, SELF, 29 Dec. 2025
The endorsement of Tepper, who died in 2024, is still motivating her.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2025
However, the reasons behind declining financing costs – economic uncertainty – aren’t exactly motivating many folks to close a sale.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025
Prediction With more firepower and the home crowd motivating TCU, the Horned Frogs start their four-game gauntlet with a 31-17 win over Iowa State, setting up a massive showdown next week at BYU.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2025
If the gap between self and fitfluencer seems too wide, comparisons become discouraging, not motivating.
—Abby Frank, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivating
Adjective
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To this day, Mo'Nique continues to share motivational videos of herself hitting the gym, staying disciplined and committing to her health journey.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
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This week, Tyler, the Creator recapped his glorious year in a triumphant freestyle, Sabrina Carpenter gifted her fans a Man’s Best Friend bonus track as an early Christmas present, and Doechii teamed up with SZA for a subdued yet motivational anthem.—
Rolling Stone,
Rolling Stone,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There was a lot to like about Jovic’s performance on Saturday, with Heat veteran guard Norman Powell pushing and encouraging him along the way.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
9 Nov. 2025
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Salt-n-Pepa also joined in, and the group of artists concluded the set with a call-and-response moment alongside the crowd, encouraging everyone to scream along.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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That simple change would introduce real competition, allowing merchants to choose lower-cost options and forcing the dominant players to compete on price and service--just like any other market.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
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Jackson remains optimistic that Medicaid cuts will spur a public backlash against lawmakers, forcing Congress to reverse Medicaid cuts before additional layoffs are necessary.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Government responses to homelessness have been anything but inspiring.—
Sal Rodriguez,
Oc Register,
9 Jan. 2026
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These kind of creative environments are so incredibly inspiring to me.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Similar to fellow Arsenal summer signing Eberechi Eze — another keen chess player — the assumption would be that the skills taken from the board game have helped Zubimendi be a step ahead in enticing and then bypassing opposition players.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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Fringe areas on the outskirts of Denver proper and the suburbs are enticing for new locations.—
Max Scheinblum,
Denver Post,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Chime has proven wildly successful in persuading new customers to open accounts.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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After reading Wuoronos’ story, Pralle began conversing with her through letters, eventually persuading Wuornos to let Pralle adopt her.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Instead of stimulating the brain, alcohol slows it down and loosens inhibitions.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
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So to ensure that everyone is working in harmony, the exec is revamping the usual chain of command; Colgate’s top leaders are hearing out entry-level staffers, stimulating the flow of ideas between ranks and generations to generate the best possible outcome.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivating. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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