motivate

[moh-tuh-veyt] / ˈmoʊ təˌveɪt /

VERB

stimulate, instigate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

drive excite galvanize incline inspire persuade prompt propel provoke spark spur sway trigger

STRONG

actuate arouse bring cause dispose draw fire goad goose impel incite induce innervate inspirit lead move pique predetermine predispose quicken rouse sound suggest whet

WEAK

egg on give incentive innerve prevail upon set afoot set astir touch off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

check discourage dissuade halt hinder prevent repress retard stop

STRONG

bore calm delay dishearten dull quiet slow

WEAK

depress disconcert

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“This doesn’t motivate them to work,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

“Your example as a parent matters more than anything, so that should motivate you to be financially responsible.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

He says the hope it engenders can not only help people cope emotionally with a cancer diagnosis but can even motivate them to seek treatment.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

"People need courage to challenge tradition and maybe our film can motivate them, maybe it can act as a guiding light for families that they need to help their daughters."

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

“Consider this a pop quiz. This soldier’s identity should motivate you to get it right.”

From "Legend" by Marie Lu

Vocabulary lists containing motivate

List 5

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