as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity
fear of failing should be plenty of motivation to study for the test
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motivation
In an interview on Fox News Channel's Special Report with Bret Baier, DeChambeau explained his motivation.
—
Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Walters said the teaching of gender identity in other states was one motivation for the test, which will roll out in time for the upcoming school year.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 1 Aug. 2025
One of the main motivations for the group of firefighters during their recovery missions was to locate the missing Camp Mystic girls during their six days along the Guadalupe, Herrera said.
—Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 27 July 2025
Whether on screen or behind the scenes, Whitley’s motivation remains rooted in her purpose: bringing joy to others.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Walters said the teaching of gender identity in other states was one motivation for the test, which will roll out in time for the upcoming school year.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 1 Aug. 2025
One of the main motivations for the group of firefighters during their recovery missions was to locate the missing Camp Mystic girls during their six days along the Guadalupe, Herrera said.
—Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 27 July 2025
Whether on screen or behind the scenes, Whitley’s motivation remains rooted in her purpose: bringing joy to others.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivation
Noun
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The result is a misaligned affordability signal that dulls incentives to adapt and crowds out private innovation.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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The Big Detroit automakers have continued to transition from internal combustion engines to EV technology even as President Donald Trump’s administration unwinds incentives for automakers to go electric.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Advertisement In New York, part of the impetus for this bail reform was the story of Kalief Browder, a young man in the Bronx who was arrested at age 16 for allegedly stealing a backpack.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
12 Aug. 2025
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When decisions are made by any medical organization with financial interests, the primary impetus of the Oath is lost; the AMA’s control over payment schedules reinforces and exemplifies a corrupt institutional flaw.—
David Marks,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Players drew encouragement from effectiveness at the goal line, where Rodgers and company scored on Tampa’s first unit on two of three attempts.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
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All the while, your helpful, entertaining partner makes sure you never get lost and offers plenty of encouragement.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Those news stories are confusing the timeline for the older stimulus checks.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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Hawley’s news release states that the parameters for the tax rebate would be similar to the stimulus checks issued in 2020 during the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivation. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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