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.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of motivate The study found that saving money motivated consumers more than environmental reasons for repair. — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 The anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office, known as PNAT, said its investigation included looking at whether the shooting was racially or religiously motivated. — CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 To our guests, thank you for your support and curiosity, which motivates us to keep pushing. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026 Lopez said road rage might have motivated the shooting, saying the conflict between the two cars might have gone on for several blocks, culminating with the shooting. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 22 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

Rather than chasing fancy titles or splashy paychecks throughout her career, she’s gravitated toward jobs that pushed her out of her comfort zone, forced her to take risks, and taught her to embrace a little chaos.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
The defense once again gave the offense an opportunity, forcing an Argyle punt, and this time, Heritage capitalized with a 2-yard rushing TD from Vargas to cut the lead to 7 points.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 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

The move stimulated the private sector and accelerated the deployment of EV infrastructure, Vesser said.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Issagholyan built out a 24-session plan to course-correct, involving twice weekly visits in which I would be chiropractically adjusted, my jaw cold-lasered to promote cellular regeneration and my back muscles stimulated by electrodes.

— Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of stimulate

Verb

Mattresses and linens are unsurprisingly comfortable—the Langham’s bedding has, after all, become synonymous with inducing deep slumbers.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
Gaps where electrons can sit, called holes, can also induce superconductivity at not-so-cold temperatures, just in a slightly different way.

— Sven Badoux, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026