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
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
Wood is a former model and actor who has since become a motivational speaker, according to his Facebook, and a breathwork instructor, according to his Instagram.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
No amount of willpower or motivational self-talk can quiet a mind that automatically runs through every worst-case scenario.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Mar. 2026
Emt went on to become a math teacher and a basketball coach in Hebron as well as a motivational speaker, talking to students and others about drunk driving.
—Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026
The controversial coaching figure, known for his motivational speech and tactics as well as investigations into NCAA violations, denied knowledge of steroid use by the football team in 1990 during his Notre Dame tenure.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026
Consequences aren't good solutions Rewarding and punishing are motivational strategies, not problem-solving strategies.
—Ross W. Greene, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
The former Christie’s auctioneer, author, podcaster and motivational speaker is normally unflappable on the podium.
—Scarlett Harris, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
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
Wood is a former model and actor who has since become a motivational speaker, according to his Facebook, and a breathwork instructor, according to his Instagram.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
No amount of willpower or motivational self-talk can quiet a mind that automatically runs through every worst-case scenario.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Mar. 2026
Emt went on to become a math teacher and a basketball coach in Hebron as well as a motivational speaker, talking to students and others about drunk driving.
—Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026
The controversial coaching figure, known for his motivational speech and tactics as well as investigations into NCAA violations, denied knowledge of steroid use by the football team in 1990 during his Notre Dame tenure.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026
Consequences aren't good solutions Rewarding and punishing are motivational strategies, not problem-solving strategies.
—Ross W. Greene, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
The former Christie’s auctioneer, author, podcaster and motivational speaker is normally unflappable on the podium.
—Scarlett Harris, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivational
Adjective
-
Exploring alternate points of view could be easier than usual as passionate Mars in your inspirational 9th house trines optimistic Jupiter in your very own sign.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Featuring inspirational messages and fun celebration, Glory Haus products make great gifts and additions to your own home.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Bringing fans together in new and inspiring ways through music, theater, gaming, haunted houses, immersive activations, radio plays and experimental performance, there truly is no end to where the genre can take the curious.—
William Earl,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
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This model seems inspiring and romantic until the heroic leader leads you off a cliff.—
David Brooks,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motivational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivational. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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