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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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 Meetze sought help on Reddit, where people post about pain, headaches, vision problems, and a lack of motivation after taking experimental peptides. — CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 The lure of becoming the first player in NBA history to win a championship with four franchises seems to be enough motivation. — Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026 Larry, however, claimed that Breckman’s weight was not the motivation for his casting. — Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026 How much of your inspiration and motivation actually comes from spite? — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motivation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivation

Noun

Strong demand for oil, particularly from Asia, continues to provide an incentive for tanker operators to transport energy supplies from the Persian Gulf, even as security threats complicate voyages.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
But Sawie emphasized that this work is just part of the solution, noting that real progress can’t be made until farmers have access to reliable markets and incentives that recognize the work put into transitioning to organic practices.

— Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

The impetus for Whalefall came from a viral video in which a kayaker ended up in the mouth of a whale.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
So, if your travels find you in Milan before 2027 kicks off, consider this your impetus to go ahead and book that room.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

Jonah himself is remaining positive while keeping his spirits up thanks to the love, support and encouragement of his family, friends and all those doctors and nurses who care so much for him.

— Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
After encouragement from the coaches, Koerber improved his personal best by three minutes at his next race, Brown said.

— Donald Fountain, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Browse Nearby Words

motivating

motivation

motivational

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivation. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of motivation

noun

Example Sentences

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