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 And the driving force behind his motivation is far from individual. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026 The defendant’s lawyers disputed that argument, asserting the evidence doesn’t prove Robinson’s motivation was connected to Kirk’s political or religious beliefs. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026 Grahn says that the donation gave the team a ton of motivation to keep going. — Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 This is, in psychiatric and psychological terms, a problem of intrinsic motivation and hedonic adaptation. — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motivation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivation
  1. incentive
  2. impetus
  3. encouragement
  4. stimulus
Noun
  • There has been no confirmation from SpaceX or Louisiana officials … But earlier this year the Louisiana Legislature passed a package of incentives for aerospace companies, including liability protections and property tax breaks.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Marketers need to treat the student as the primary decision-maker, using tangible incentives, student-friendly pricing, and direct campus engagement to lower the risk of trying a new product and justify its value well past move-in day.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • But for the iconoclastic Coppola, a desire to work with an up-and-coming actor, who his friends Brian De Palma and Martin Scorsese had discovered and was not yet a star, became the other key impetus to make the film.
    — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Despite Villa reaching their zenith under Emery in May, there was a growing argument to undergo a stable transitional phase, providing youthful impetus and appearing proactive, rather than reactive, in lowering the age of the squad.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • Wise leaders create cultures that arm employees with the capacity, authority, and encouragement to deliver customer experiences with a surprise.
    — Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • As the only manager to steer four different clubs to promotion from the second tier of English football, Neil Warnock has words of encouragement for all those looking to follow in his footsteps during the coming season.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • Instead, Beijing rolled out a roughly $586 billion stimulus—equivalent to around 12 percent of China’s GDP in 2008—funneled almost entirely into infrastructure and construction.
    — Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The gloves must be applied directly to someone's skin to deliver a pain stimulus that typically helps an officer gain compliance within seconds, according to the company.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 12 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motivation

Nglish: Translation of motivation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motivation

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