as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity
fear of failing should be plenty of motivation to study for the test
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motivation
Cooperation turns into conflict Even countries that share common goals or values sometimes compete, and the motivations are rarely simple.
—
Kaleb Demerew, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
Still, the motivations behind the song feel somewhat obscured.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2025
While the Free Press and other media outlets previously reported details about the suspect's feelings about the church community, the FBI did not provide specific comment about religious motivation until this week.
—Dave Boucher, Freep.com, 2 Nov. 2025
In 2020, a militia group in Michigan plotted to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer, citing opposition to COVID-19 restrictions as their motivation.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Kaleb Demerew, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
Still, the motivations behind the song feel somewhat obscured.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2025
While the Free Press and other media outlets previously reported details about the suspect's feelings about the church community, the FBI did not provide specific comment about religious motivation until this week.
—Dave Boucher, Freep.com, 2 Nov. 2025
In 2020, a militia group in Michigan plotted to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer, citing opposition to COVID-19 restrictions as their motivation.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivation
Noun
-
The official boundaries of the new stadium incentive district have not yet been finalized.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The grocer will also receive a $50,000 retailer incentive bonus.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That that might be the impetus for people to try to come together in some way.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Nov. 2025
-
The impetus for the collaboration came from Smith’s own experience using garlic in her cooking.—
Emily Burns,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Her brother shaved his head alongside her, while friends organized care packages, drove her to sessions and offered constant encouragement.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The chatbot repeatedly offered Nelson doting messages and constant encouragement, Turner-Scott claimed.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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If the labor market is improving and the Supreme Court delivers the expected tariff refunds, the Fed would have almost no justification for adding further stimulus to the economy via a new round of cheaper money.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
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There’s the stimulus from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the prospect of lower interest rates from a more dovish incoming Federal Reserve chair, and the benefits from artificial intelligence accruing to the real economy — major pillars maintaining a bullish outlook .—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
2 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivation. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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