MOTIVATION Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

motivation

noun

ˌmō-tə-ˈvā-shən

Definition of motivation

as in incentive

something that arouses action or activity fear of failing should be plenty of motivation to study for the test

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 motivation Cost and quality of care are often cited as the top motivations for medical tourists. — Jessica Poitevien, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026 For the women in our sample, the needs of their immediate community were a source of motivation. — Emma Schroeder, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026 But the uneven nature of the film, its plotting, its character motivations, and its aims only become bigger and bloodier as the film winds on. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2026 Braun criticized the state agency’s handling of the investigation and questioned officials’ motivations. — Myla S. Roundy, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motivation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivation

Noun

New discoveries matter only if companies have the incentive and capital to bring them to market.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Some may question whether these procedures are used too often, whether the evidence supporting them is strong enough, or whether financial incentives influence their use.

— Antje M. Barreveld, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

The original impetus for the film, to be honest, was to look at an incredible life story over a long German period.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
Another impetus for the merger plans might be the sales struggles Tesla has been experiencing and the vast technological challenges from robotaxi competitors such as Waymo.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

But Smith also had encouragement for Hurts, whom Lynn and the Eagles said should be expected to make a full recovery with treatment from blood thinners that precludes contact activities for the next few months.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Kid Rock's support eventually extended beyond words of encouragement.

— Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

China’s economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter thanks to the country’s powerful export machine, with domestic consumption still lagging and the authorities showing little interest in fiscal stimulus.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Visual stimuli produced more activity in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Browse Nearby Words

motivating

motivation

motivational

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Style

“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivation. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of motivation

noun

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