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 As their sherpa, Brittney conveys a convincing authority as John, even when his motivations don’t always seem honest. — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 The movie, though, offers scarce insight about the motivations behind the tragedy. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026 Brent Roberts, a personality psychologist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, adds that skill, ability, interests, and motivations also play a role. — Jessica Craig, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026 And someone whose motivation in her fashion and beauty choices was to create a character, to have fun, and to spread joy. — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motivation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivation

Noun

In July, California’s Public Utilities Commission approved new incentives of up to $20,300 for ride-hailing app drivers to buy or lease new zero-emission vehicles, and often now, ride hailers can choose to be picked up by an EV on the apps.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Lucrative contracts in the French league, lack of incentive to travel overseas and strict rules from the French Federation meant a local product grew but never went global.

— Eden Laase, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

But the original impetus concerned women not having to get their Manolo Blahniks stuck in the mud.

— Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
The Jets have no impetus to rush a trade — and Jets fans are well-versed in Cheveldayoff’s stubborn patience from Jacob Trouba’s 2016 contract holdout and trades involving Evander Kane, Trouba, Patrik Laine and Pierre-Luc Dubois.

— James Mirtle, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

De Zerbi will take encouragement from Savio’s bright debut, with the £85million recruit from Manchester City looking bright and threatening, without executing on the final action.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
The YouTube videos, Griffin said, were causing third-party contact because of Myers’ encouragement.

— Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

Shape-memory polymers can be programmed to return to a particular shape after exposure to a stimulus, often heat.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Surrounded by the healing landscape of the Sonoran Desert, the luxe getaway has welcomed travelers seeking to put aside digital overload and other overwhelming stimuli in order to reconnect with the best versions of themselves.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of motivation

noun

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