MOTIVATION Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

motivation

noun

ˌmō-tə-ˈvā-shən

Definition of motivation

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 Developing motivations occurs through a process, and a sports metaphor helps capture this idea. — Deborah Mower, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 When asked about players having a chip on their shoulder and using negative comments as motivation, manager Craig Counsell didn’t deny its place. — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Variety heard that test screenings had been positive, but the studio still chose to exit, raising eyebrows about its motivations. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 30 June 2026 It was perceived by many as shot at the quality of African national teams and also served as motivation for the 10 African teams that made the tournament. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for motivation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivation

Noun

Nearly a year after the expiration of a $7,500 federal tax incentive for new electric vehicles, California is stepping in to try to motivate buyers to go electric.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
The attack shocked Monaco, a coastal playground for the rich and famous known for its tax-friendly incentives, royal family and Formula 1 Grand Prix.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

Whether the impetus is to satisfy a desire for seclusion or to achieve the investment benefits that development allows, these three properties, triangulated across the globe, open up new frontiers and ways of living.

— Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Not much separated these two teams over 90 minutes, with limited attacking impetus and much of the game being played in midfield.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

Once all but deserted, the town experienced a revival in 1965, when artists and musicians began to flock there after encouragement from the Yugoslav government.

— Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
Alexandria government roasted for absurd anti-fireworks tweet The government of Alexandria tweeted Wednesday a blunt warning about fireworks — and encouragement to snitch on your neighbors.

— David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

The export and manufacturing-led economic resilience is expected to reinforce Beijing’s reluctance to roll out stimulus to revive tepid consumer demand.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 July 2026
In Vibe Science studies, the autonomic nervous system shifts toward parasympathetic activation as the brain entrains to the stimulus, producing lower arousal and readiness for sleep and recovery.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Definition of stimulus

Browse Nearby Words

motivating

motivation

motivational

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“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivation. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of motivation

noun

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