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 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
The experience also includes all the classic staples of a company retreat, including absurd team-building exercises, a series of motivational speakers and, uh, a group ASMR session.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026
Consequences aren't good solutions Rewarding and punishing are motivational strategies, not problem-solving strategies.
—Ross W. Greene, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
Drawing on decades of frontline experience, the book challenges conventional management thinking and reframes culture as an operational discipline rather than a motivational slogan.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 25 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
Mandela, who is taking steps to join an electrical workers union in Alsip, said the program also offered a motivational boost from Biekman.
—Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
But now that the Nuggets were starting to resemble the original version of themselves, their head coach felt a motivational zoom-out was warranted.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026
And the motivational quotes on the walls are so condescending.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 23 Feb. 2026
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026
The experience also includes all the classic staples of a company retreat, including absurd team-building exercises, a series of motivational speakers and, uh, a group ASMR session.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026
Consequences aren't good solutions Rewarding and punishing are motivational strategies, not problem-solving strategies.
—Ross W. Greene, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
Drawing on decades of frontline experience, the book challenges conventional management thinking and reframes culture as an operational discipline rather than a motivational slogan.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 25 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
Mandela, who is taking steps to join an electrical workers union in Alsip, said the program also offered a motivational boost from Biekman.
—Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
But now that the Nuggets were starting to resemble the original version of themselves, their head coach felt a motivational zoom-out was warranted.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026
And the motivational quotes on the walls are so condescending.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 23 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivational
Adjective
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Boy Names Inspired By the Olympics There is no shortage of inspirational stories from the men during these Olympic Games, medals or not.—
Sari Hitchins,
Parents,
10 Mar. 2026
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Dear Everything offers an antidote — the voices of visionary youth, powerful storytelling, inspirational music, and a deep devotion that opens portals to other realms.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Parents caught up with Allen to hear more about his compelling story, and his inspiring message to diverse families like his whose path to building a family isn’t always simple.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
3 Mar. 2026
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Talking about death can be educational, empowering and inspiring.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motivational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivational. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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