as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity
fear of failing should be plenty of motivation to study for the test
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motivation
The Rockets are largely healthy and had every motivation to win in Minneapolis.
—
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2026
At the individual level, Tyler has watched Brad use different styles of motivation.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Coloradans who live in apartments will also find motivation to reduce their already small water use further by seeing those who live on an acre of Kentucky Bluegrass, allowing the field to go fallow.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
The surge in crude oil prices caused by the escalating conflict has raised the motivation for countries to speed up their nuclear efforts, said Alvie Asuncion-Astronomo of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.
—ABC News, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2026
At the individual level, Tyler has watched Brad use different styles of motivation.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Coloradans who live in apartments will also find motivation to reduce their already small water use further by seeing those who live on an acre of Kentucky Bluegrass, allowing the field to go fallow.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
The surge in crude oil prices caused by the escalating conflict has raised the motivation for countries to speed up their nuclear efforts, said Alvie Asuncion-Astronomo of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.
—ABC News, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivation
Noun
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This is not an indictment of individuals but of incentives built into a system structured to protect bureaucracy while classrooms absorb the pressure.—
Daniel L Gordon,
Daily News,
29 Mar. 2026
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This investment would be best paired with incentives to companies to offer greater part-time and flexible work options.—
Abby McCloskey,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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And taking small steps to connect with others — even as simple as engaging in idle chitchat with a stranger — can be an impetus for broader change.—
Keith Wagstaff,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
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Didn’t even know what the impetus was for the saying.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Paddack noted how Sandy Alcantara came to him in the dugout and gave him words of encouragement.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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The Giants never led in the series, so Vitello didn’t get to deploy his bullpen in a late-game situation with a lead to protect, but the early returns from the relievers are reason for encouragement.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But there are a number of reasons to file tax returns even when they’re not strictly required, including claiming tax credits, getting back income tax withheld from paychecks or retirement accounts, and getting access to any future government stimulus payments that might be offered.—
Liz Weston,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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Unlike conventional systems that are often heavy and mechanically complex, this lightweight material responds to external stimuli such as heat.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivation. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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