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
Does knowing her motivations make what’s to come easier?
—
Sara Netzley, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Shapiro told reporters at a news conference on April 16 that regardless of the motivation for the crime, political violence must be condemned as unacceptable in our society.
—Riley Beggin, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
But Remmick’s motivations — explained in a stray line of dialogue — are too thinly drawn and haphazardly framed.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Now, both sides of the trade have sincere motivation here.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Sara Netzley, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Shapiro told reporters at a news conference on April 16 that regardless of the motivation for the crime, political violence must be condemned as unacceptable in our society.
—Riley Beggin, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
But Remmick’s motivations — explained in a stray line of dialogue — are too thinly drawn and haphazardly framed.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Now, both sides of the trade have sincere motivation here.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivation
Noun
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The Trump administration is also working to undo incentives around clean energy, particularly the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.—
Umair Irfan,
Wired News,
26 Apr. 2025
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Slate Auto There’s also the issue of federal incentives.—
Abigail Bassett,
ArsTechnica,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The impetus for his ire had everything to do with Minnesota big man Rudy Gobert, who was being chastised by the fan when Edwards decided to step in and take over the exchange.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
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Union leaders said the impetus for the strike was a string of 44 labor law violations allegedly committed by the county, including retaliation and contracting out work that’s supposed to be done by union members.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Howard — a former pro wrestler with his own extensive résumé — has been instrumental in Stark’s journey, offering encouragement and guidance both inside and outside the ring.—
Nasha Smith,
People.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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His 56 percent share of on-ice shot attempts offers encouragement, but Lowry needs to find a better way to help. 4.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But car buyers in 2021 were enjoying low interest rates and federal stimulus checks.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
1 May 2025
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Beijing has ramped up economic support since late September, but measures so far have not cumulated in the large-scale stimulus that many investors have hoped for.—
Evelyn Cheng,Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivation. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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