as in inspirational
serving or likely to arouse action or activity
A poster with a motivational message was hung above the water cooler. The conference will feature talks by some well-known motivational speakers.
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Recent Examples of motivational
Senior pitcher/second baseman Ellie Peck, a Lewis recruit who reached base three times and scored three runs, confirmed that Kuefler’s motivational ploy seems to be working.
—
Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
After being released from prison, Belfort became an entrepreneur and motivational speaker.
—Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Chris Herren Chris Herren, a former Boston Celtics basketball player from Fall River, is now a motivational speaker on the topic of substance use prevention and wellness.
—Neal Riley, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
After retirement, Schmidt became one of his country's most popular motivational speakers.
—ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
This odd year will turn to motivational fuel by then, like water to wine.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
The tragedy was headline news in the UK, where Lomas was well known for charity fundraising and motivational speeches.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
The doctor agreed that the motivational aspect is a win as long as the expectations remain realistic.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Items range from small gifts like candles, motivational signs, and coffee table books to larger items like unique throw pillows, vases, and lighting.
—Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2026
Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
After being released from prison, Belfort became an entrepreneur and motivational speaker.
—Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Chris Herren Chris Herren, a former Boston Celtics basketball player from Fall River, is now a motivational speaker on the topic of substance use prevention and wellness.
—Neal Riley, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
After retirement, Schmidt became one of his country's most popular motivational speakers.
—ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
This odd year will turn to motivational fuel by then, like water to wine.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
The tragedy was headline news in the UK, where Lomas was well known for charity fundraising and motivational speeches.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
The doctor agreed that the motivational aspect is a win as long as the expectations remain realistic.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Items range from small gifts like candles, motivational signs, and coffee table books to larger items like unique throw pillows, vases, and lighting.
—Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivational
Adjective
-
Bill Nighy has joined the starry cast of Morten Tyldum’s Ibelin, re-telling the inspirational true story of late disabled Norwegian gamer Mats Steen, as production gets underway in Norway.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Kopitar was also voted by the players as the club’s most inspirational player, earning him the Ace Bailey Memorial Award.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That was really inspiring to me.—
Adelle Platon,
VIBE.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
And the band will perform that album’s inspiring and invigorating songs the way they’re meant to be heard, live and in person, on the Congo Square Stage on May 1st.—
Al Shipley,
SPIN,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motivational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivational. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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