MOTIVATE Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

motivate

verb

Definition of motivate

as in to encourage

to rouse to action or activity The presence of treats motivated the dogs to obey their owner's commands. They drove a campaign to motivate voters to show up to the polls.

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of motivate Rolapp’s support for permanent daylight saving time is partially motivated by TV considerations, as golf is one of the biggest sports unable to offer content during primetime TV windows. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 28 Oct. 2026 The deadline could also be a seller’s market, with teams motivated to try to find a missing piece. — Zach Berman, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 But over the last two years, delayed federal grants and fears about the future motivated her to pack her life into boxes. — Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 The concept is similar to Friedrich Nietszche's contention that the will to power motivated all human action and desire to advance. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motivate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivate

Verb

Though the board does not have the authority to forgive the charges, which will still be due by the end of the year, board President Allan Marks encouraged residents to enroll in programs that could help alleviate rising costs.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
According to Ueda, an enthusiastic online response encouraged its adaptation to feature length and a theatrical release.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

The university admissions replacement system still has to be designed, and legal changes may be needed — leaving crucial decisions unresolved even as the government seeks to persuade students to end their protests.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
The challenge was not simply to persuade undecided voters, but to get those who already preferred him to show up at the polls.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

Backup guard Jaylen Clark relieved McDaniels from some of the defensive duty on Darius Garland and helped force five turnovers by the Clippers star.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Polish President Karol Nawrocki forced his way into his nation’s high court as his supporters clashed against an army of police outside.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of force

Verb

The many interactive exhibits that dot the new building’s 200,000 square feet of gallery space are geared to entice and educate people of all ages.

— Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Justin Perez, 28, of Springfield, Massachusetts took a plea deal on Monday in Rockville Superior Court, pleading guilty to charges of risk of injury to a minor and enticing a minor, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of entice

Verb

The sweat beads from the worried Republicans in Arkansas this election cycle are Democrat-inspired.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
Amenities and experiences Dublin’s literary heritage, inspired by the likes of Oscar Wilde, seeps through the walls of The Wilder Townhouse and is reflected in thoughtful details throughout the entire experience.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of inspire

Verb

This potentially removes the need to add a separate immune-stimulating ingredient to the vaccine.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
Ear seeding is a needle-free acupuncture technique that uses small beads held to the ear with adhesive to stimulate specific pressure points.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of stimulate

Verb

In many of the later versions, Sita remains safe within the boundary, and Ravana succeeds in abducting her only after inducing her to cross it.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Tipp alleges Sanders and his representatives fraudulently induced him to surrender his rights through a retroactive work-for-hire agreement shortly after Sanders became CU’s head coach in December 2022.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026