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.

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

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is known for his innovative - often unorthodox - methods to motivate his players.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

The night before the second verdict was delivered, Meta introduced a new stock option program to try to motivate its senior executives to grow the company at historic speed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

“What do I gotta do to motivate you two?”

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein

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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