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.

Learning with others, or having the support of others, can help motivate us to learn.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

I recently noticed a loss that surprised me: Classic sports movies don’t motivate my children as they do me.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Investors apparently landed on the conclusion that the tariffs would motivate smaller economies to become less reliant on the U.S. market.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Then there was the Hollywood fear factor to motivate him.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Occasionally find things that excite and motivate them and will take risks when others in power support them.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Vocabulary lists containing motivate

List 5

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Mother's Day Words: What Mothers Do

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