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
Years ago, Angela Duckworth, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, did not see much significance in the motivational tactics or customs of NFL players.
—
Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
It can be used as a motivational tool to foster a sense of camaraderie in sports or the classroom.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026
The Cultural Center offers a rich year-round events program that includes motivational talks, inspiring performances, salons, dinners, wellness experiences and intimate gatherings with artists, thinkers, chefs and cultural leaders.
—Emma Kershaw, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
To further inspire students, Mrinal Mandal, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at IIT Kharagpur, gave a motivational talk in Bengali.
—IEEE Spectrum, 26 Jan. 2026
Looking back at her delivery, the mom of three recalls feeling the support of family as well as an extra motivational push from some of the music selections.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
Greene crosses the country as an actor, film director and writer, and motivational speaker.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 19 Jan. 2026
Your 2nd House of Resources steadies as the motivational New Moon arrives.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
When things start to unravel, Nayyar doesn’t reach for motivational podcasts or productivity hacks.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2026
Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
It can be used as a motivational tool to foster a sense of camaraderie in sports or the classroom.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026
The Cultural Center offers a rich year-round events program that includes motivational talks, inspiring performances, salons, dinners, wellness experiences and intimate gatherings with artists, thinkers, chefs and cultural leaders.
—Emma Kershaw, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
To further inspire students, Mrinal Mandal, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at IIT Kharagpur, gave a motivational talk in Bengali.
—IEEE Spectrum, 26 Jan. 2026
Looking back at her delivery, the mom of three recalls feeling the support of family as well as an extra motivational push from some of the music selections.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
Greene crosses the country as an actor, film director and writer, and motivational speaker.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 19 Jan. 2026
Your 2nd House of Resources steadies as the motivational New Moon arrives.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
When things start to unravel, Nayyar doesn’t reach for motivational podcasts or productivity hacks.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivational
Adjective
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Your little one can also check out the Kidz Bop Black History Month playlist that highlights inspirational Black musicians and entertainers.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
27 Jan. 2026
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The Zadorov return proved to be inspirational.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Check out a few inspiring ideas below.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Which isn’t terribly useful or inspiring.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motivational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivational. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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