MOTIVATIONAL Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

motivational

adjective

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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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 motivational 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 Pereira’s side should possess the motivational edge, even if Fulham still have distant hopes of qualifying for European football. —

Mark Carey, New York Times, 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivational

Adjective

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
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