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
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
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
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
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
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
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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 31 Mar. 2026.
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