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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motivation
Stephen Findeisen, a YouTuber with more than 4 million subscribers who goes by Coffeezilla online and investigates internet scams, said the motivation behind appealing to young users is the possibility of gaining loyal, long-term customers.
—
Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 28 May 2026
Jenkins said her motivation to show up every day came from her family.
—Maddie White, CBS News, 28 May 2026
But a lot of adults read that as a lack of motivation, Duffy said.
—Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Part of the motivation to grow the band even larger is so net proceeds can grow along with it.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 28 May 2026
Jenkins said her motivation to show up every day came from her family.
—Maddie White, CBS News, 28 May 2026
But a lot of adults read that as a lack of motivation, Duffy said.
—Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Part of the motivation to grow the band even larger is so net proceeds can grow along with it.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivation
Noun
-
The best cornerback in the NFL, Patrick Surtain II, is on a four-year, $96 million contract but just earned a $5 million pay raise in 2026 with $5 million more in incentives tacked onto the 2027 season.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
-
Under the executive order, all tax incentives approved before July will continue.—
Jack O'Connor,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
The beloved 35-year-old Florida Ficus at the entrance is the impetus for the iconic logo.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
The impetus of Vanity Fair’s meeting with Nézet-Séguin was the Met’s new production of El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego, a recent work from US composer Gabriela Lena Frank (in her Met debut).—
Eve Batey,
Vanity Fair,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Benjamin Cano, who brought his wife and three kids down from Norwalk for Friday’s game, was down behind the Padres dugout offering encouragement before the game.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
-
Volunteers with the organization Free Mom Hugs offered encouragement to attendees whose families may not be as supportive.—
Eva Andersen,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
The cerebral circuitry of the human brain—specifically the salience network, which is responsible for filtering stimuli—seems to be more active in individuals with misophonia.—
Sloane Crosley,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
-
The ability to disconnect intentionally from these overwhelming stimuli—to reclaim one’s focus, clarity, and feeling of immediacy—has become rare and precious.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivation. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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