MOTIVATE Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

motivate

verb

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 Duncan, who now works in real estate, said neither riches nor malice motivated him and many others of his generation of urban explorers. —

ABC News, 4 June 2026 Helix pitcher Lea Moya, who pitched the final three innings to earn the win, said the altercation motivated the Highlanders. —

Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026 Crenshaw concluded prosecutors failed to overcome evidence suggesting the case was motivated by retaliation after Abrego Garcia challenged his deportation in court. —

Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2026 The same love of equality and freedom that courses through the Declaration motivated her white great-grandmother to campaign for suffrage and her African American grandfather to found a chapter of the NAACP in the Jim Crow South. —

Michael Kazin, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for motivate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivate

Verb

Speaking between ballots, Tafoya repeatedly reminded delegates about the importance of winning the general election, while Schwarze encouraged them not to compromise their principles.

— Jay Gabler, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026
Kramer said the attendance cap was intentional and designed to encourage visitors to attend events throughout the region.

— Ben Wheeler May 29, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026