motivation

noun

ˌmō-tə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce motivation (audio)
Definition of motivationnext
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity fear of failing should be plenty of motivation to study for the test

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of motivation The pull typically breaks down into several overlapping motivations. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026 That’s the motivation for even being on the show in the first place, is [to] represent them well. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026 While the officials elected in the midterms won’t be in office until the New Year, a shift in the tide may give Democrats more motivation to hold the line or make bolder demands in return for support. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2026 While the motivation of Richardson’s efforts towards the win can be traced to a pre-game text, Orlando’s overall persistence and toughness Friday night goes back months under new coach Sean Sweeney. — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motivation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivation
  1. incentive
  2. impetus
  3. encouragement
  4. stimulus
Noun
  • In fact, a natural-resource provider's economic incentive is to minimize demand.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Check whether individual and departmental incentives support the company’s broader objectives or encourage people to optimize at one another’s expense.
    — Dr. Nore Salman, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • The original impetus for the film, to be honest, was to look at an incredible life story over a long German period.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Another impetus for the merger plans might be the sales struggles Tesla has been experiencing and the vast technological challenges from robotaxi competitors such as Waymo.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • But Smith also had encouragement for Hurts, whom Lynn and the Eagles said should be expected to make a full recovery with treatment from blood thinners that precludes contact activities for the next few months.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Kid Rock's support eventually extended beyond words of encouragement.
    — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • Even seemingly small increases—like switching from 10-pound to 12-pound dumbbells, for example—can provide enough of an effective stimulus to build strength without over-stressing your body.
    — Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 3 Nov. 2026
  • China’s economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter thanks to the country’s powerful export machine, with domestic consumption still lagging and the authorities showing little interest in fiscal stimulus.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of stimulus

Browse Nearby Words

motivating
motivation
motivational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivation. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motivation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motivation

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