Definitions

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.

What else could motivate him into action quite like some Lorne Michaels mentee?

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Rams architects Les Snead and Sean McVay can still adroitly motivate a player without pressing too hard.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

I didn't have anyone to motivate me, so I motivated myself.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Hospital director Srimant Kumar Mishra said the most difficult part is to motivate patients to be operated on.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

She knew that it would take four months and lots of frozen fish to motivate Maxwell to make his way to the sky again.

From "A Bird Will Soar" by Alison Green Myers

Vocabulary lists containing motivate

List 5

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NAEP Test Words

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Mother's Day Words: What Mothers Do

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