as in incentives
something that arouses action or activity
fear of failing should be plenty of motivation to study for the test
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Recent Examples of motivations
Walken brings his signature idiosyncratic charm to his portrayal of Frank, whose motivations make for a fascinating web of contradictions.
—
Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
While others close to the president see personal motivations at work, the White House is leaning into the diplomatic benefit.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 12 June 2026
Because people's feelings, passions, and motivations have always fascinated me.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 12 June 2026
The alien is first believed to be a villain, but his motivations are slowly revealed to be morally gray.
—Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 12 June 2026
The reader makes their determination of Sackler’s motivations and obligations, as well as of the story’s credibility.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026
Clouded in the haze of a political extravaganza, Norvell never revealed his motivations for shooting Meredith.
—Aram Goudsouzian, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
Whatever their motivations, these hunting parties would not succeed, and the elk would elude its would-be killers for a little while longer.
—Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
That is always top of mind for writers like Ian Brennan, whose story about life and motivations of one of the most notorious murderers and grave robbers in American history was also an exploration of complex mental health struggles.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 10 June 2026
Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
While others close to the president see personal motivations at work, the White House is leaning into the diplomatic benefit.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 12 June 2026
Because people's feelings, passions, and motivations have always fascinated me.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 12 June 2026
The alien is first believed to be a villain, but his motivations are slowly revealed to be morally gray.
—Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 12 June 2026
The reader makes their determination of Sackler’s motivations and obligations, as well as of the story’s credibility.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026
Clouded in the haze of a political extravaganza, Norvell never revealed his motivations for shooting Meredith.
—Aram Goudsouzian, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
Whatever their motivations, these hunting parties would not succeed, and the elk would elude its would-be killers for a little while longer.
—Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
That is always top of mind for writers like Ian Brennan, whose story about life and motivations of one of the most notorious murderers and grave robbers in American history was also an exploration of complex mental health struggles.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 10 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivations
Noun
-
These discussions include possible revenue sharing between the data company and village along with tax incentives.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
-
Those changes were designed to reduce incentives for excessive litigation, particularly in insurance claims.—
Contessa Brewer,
CNBC,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
One of the main impetuses for this is that newer planes are flying further, which means airline routes are getting longer.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
All through the park, competitors and onlookers hit vapes and shout tips and encouragements into trees.—
Calin Van Paris,
Outside,
19 Mar. 2026
-
In October 2024 ahead of her own stay at MSG, Billie Eilish recorded encouragements to take the subways for environmental benefits.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motivations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivations. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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