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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Recent Examples of motivation
When the inevitable final showdown comes to pass, where Liborio must defeat a more prepared opponent inside the ring, the story sidesteps the image of a girlfriend near the ropes acting as the ultimate motivation for the fighter to get up and win even if the cards were stacked against him.
—
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
In a move with similar motivation, the Dodgers sent right-hander River Ryan to the minors.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
The motivation behind Labrinth’s most recent posts remains unclear.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
Big Tech’s motivation is more sordid — to make billionaires even richer by eliminating the need to pay blue-collar workers’ wages.
—John Samuelsen, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
In a move with similar motivation, the Dodgers sent right-hander River Ryan to the minors.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
The motivation behind Labrinth’s most recent posts remains unclear.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
Big Tech’s motivation is more sordid — to make billionaires even richer by eliminating the need to pay blue-collar workers’ wages.
—John Samuelsen, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivation
Noun
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Carolyn McCrady, member of GARD, said the organization wants Gary to enact a one-year moratorium on data center considerations, specifically because of the lack of transparency, tax incentives, environmental impact, and the lack of job creation.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
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Planning for a future Winter Olympics could even provide the incentive — and deadline — to improve this corridor, already one of Amtrak’s busiest sections.—
Robert Carroll,
New York Daily News,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The primary impetus and massive investment behind robotaxis, autonomous shuttles, self-driving trucks, and self-driving buses is not safety.—
John Samuelsen,
New York Daily News,
17 Mar. 2026
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Problems in the Persian Gulf, moreover, are likely to give further impetus to China-Russia energy cooperation in the Arctic, since the Northern Sea Route has always been advertised in both countries as an alternative to the volatile route from the Middle East.—
Lyle Goldstein,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Building a Legacy at Keystone With the encouragement of mountain communities, the presence of Black visitors can only increase.—
James Edward Mills,
Outside,
15 Mar. 2026
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And before the shoes move on, every single pair receives a handwritten note with a message of hope and encouragement.—
Abraham Nudelstejer,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In 2022, the economy was still rebounding strongly from COVID, with the vestiges of a big fiscal stimulus at its back.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
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While intended as a pandemic-era stimulus program, the breakthrough measure was seen as boosting the euro’s status as reserve asset.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivation. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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