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.

Then there was the Hollywood fear factor to motivate him.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

“The shutdown will add pressure and motivate the negotiations,” Vakil said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Earnings from these “Magnificent Seven” companies may be enough to move the stock market, but it’s yet to be seen whether they’ll be enough to motivate retail investors.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

Though instead of speaking to thousands of young people to motivate them into getting involved, the crowd featured mostly older people.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

Dell tried to think of things to motivate her, or at the very least ease her distress, but so far, he had been a failure.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Vocabulary lists containing motivate

List 5

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