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
The idea comes from men’s relationship coach and motivational speaker Alessandro Frosali, who compared some low-maintenance partners to, well, plastic bags in a viral video.
—
Jenna Ryu, SELF, 2 Apr. 2026
King, who is in his early fifties, is a former marine, a motivational speaker, and a mental-health and substance-abuse professional.
—Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
My high school basketball coach was, depending on the day, either a motivational genius or a certified madman.
—Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 27 Mar. 2026
With traces of the trap titans that paved the way, Kushington’s motivational raps filled his trapper-friendly The Streets Is Yours debut project, which arrived last March.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2026
The duo’s direct clashes whiplash with motivational complexity as well as physical lashing out.
—Bob Strauss, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
The duo’s direct clashes whiplash with motivational complexity as well as physical lashing out.
—Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
There is more cackling when Jesus tries to explain Arteta’s latest motivational technique.
—Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Group moderators lead monthly motivational challenges that users can sign up for.
—Rachel Hale, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Jenna Ryu, SELF, 2 Apr. 2026
King, who is in his early fifties, is a former marine, a motivational speaker, and a mental-health and substance-abuse professional.
—Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
My high school basketball coach was, depending on the day, either a motivational genius or a certified madman.
—Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 27 Mar. 2026
With traces of the trap titans that paved the way, Kushington’s motivational raps filled his trapper-friendly The Streets Is Yours debut project, which arrived last March.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2026
The duo’s direct clashes whiplash with motivational complexity as well as physical lashing out.
—Bob Strauss, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
The duo’s direct clashes whiplash with motivational complexity as well as physical lashing out.
—Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
There is more cackling when Jesus tries to explain Arteta’s latest motivational technique.
—Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Group moderators lead monthly motivational challenges that users can sign up for.
—Rachel Hale, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivational
Adjective
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Read More TopicsVogue WeddingsWedding Inspiration Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
6 Apr. 2026
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Although the primary purpose of the Artemis II crew’s observations will be to advance scientists’ understanding of lunar geology, there is no doubt a spectator and inspirational interest in this as well.—
Robert Pearlman,
ArsTechnica,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The filmmaker returns to Slovenia to capture a portrait of an inspiring female figure in her life.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
8 Apr. 2026
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Ordinary People, Extraordinary Discoveries One of the most inspiring parts of this story is who is making these discoveries.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motivational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivational. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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