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
Each pilgrim is drawn to Hyperion for a private reckoning with the Shrike, and their motivations reveal a spectrum of human concerns.
—
Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
Despite engaging performances, though, the characters’ motivations don’t always ring true, leading to some frustrating and unconvincing plot developments.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Diego Luna had both personal motivations and more universal ones that drove him to make Ashes, his fifth feature as director.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas did not discuss Mott’s extensive criminal history at a news conference Tuesday morning but noted that investigators were reaching out to his family and those who knew him seeking additional information about his motivations.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas stated at the same press conference that investigators are currently contacting relatives and others who knew Mott in order to learn more about his motivations.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
People involved in extremist groups or ideology may also be hesitant to talk to researchers or might lie about their motivations.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 12 May 2026
Divulging his true motivations would defeat the purpose.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Denver police are continuing to investigate his motivations.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
Despite engaging performances, though, the characters’ motivations don’t always ring true, leading to some frustrating and unconvincing plot developments.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Diego Luna had both personal motivations and more universal ones that drove him to make Ashes, his fifth feature as director.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas did not discuss Mott’s extensive criminal history at a news conference Tuesday morning but noted that investigators were reaching out to his family and those who knew him seeking additional information about his motivations.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas stated at the same press conference that investigators are currently contacting relatives and others who knew Mott in order to learn more about his motivations.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
People involved in extremist groups or ideology may also be hesitant to talk to researchers or might lie about their motivations.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 12 May 2026
Divulging his true motivations would defeat the purpose.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Denver police are continuing to investigate his motivations.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivations
Noun
-
House members who occupy safe seats have fewer incentives to compromise or work across the aisle.—
Ashley Wu,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
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This enables local semiconductor manufacturers to access state and federal tax incentives.—
Aditya Jadhav,
Interesting Engineering,
18 May 2026
Noun
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All through the park, competitors and onlookers hit vapes and shout tips and encouragements into trees.—
Calin Van Paris,
Outside,
19 Mar. 2026
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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 22 May. 2026.
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