Synonyms of motivations

motivations

noun

plural of motivation

as in incentives

something that arouses action or activity

fear of failing should be plenty of motivation to study for the test

Synonyms & Similar Words

• incentives
• impetuses
• encouragements
• reasons
• stimuli
• impulses
• catalysts
• yeasts
• stimulants
• provocations
• fuels
• momenta
• motives
• spurs
• shots in the arm
• inducements
• goads
• incitements
• boosts
• considerations
• instigations
• causes
• incitations
• invitations
• antecedents
• grounds
• sparks
• occasions
• catalyzers

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disincentives
• counterincentives

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of motivations

His attorneys at the public defender’s office have argued he should be released on bail because the charges against him, and his alleged motivations, were aimed at property, not against people. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

As their sherpa, Brittney conveys a convincing authority as John, even when his motivations don’t always seem honest. — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

The movie, though, offers scarce insight about the motivations behind the tragedy. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026

Brent Roberts, a personality psychologist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, adds that skill, ability, interests, and motivations also play a role. — Jessica Craig, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026

Palal acknowledged that Davis’ accounts of the killing evolved over the years but argued those differences reflected Davis’ changing motivations and efforts to protect himself. — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026

For example, experts might put a lot of effort into listening to community needs to demonstrate integrity and openness, but miss opportunities to communicate the underlying benevolent motivations driving their work. — John C. Besley, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026

For example, positive motivations for trying to improve your personal appearance could be a desire to boost your self-esteem or feel more open to connecting with those around you. — Jennifer Donnelly, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026

The festival has flatly denied that those were its motivations. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2026