Showing results for motivations.

motivations

NOUN

ambition, inspiration

Synonyms

STRONGEST

catalyst desire encouragement impetus impulse incentive inclination interest motive reason wish

STRONG

action actuation angle disposition drive fire gimmick goose hunger impulsion incitation incitement inducement instigation kick persuasion predetermination predisposition provocation push spur stimulus suggestion

WEAK

get up and go right stuff

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block deterrent discouragement dislike hate hatred hindrance

STRONG

dullness prevention

WEAK

depression

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.

We do not yet fully understand the suspect’s motivations, but we have strong indications.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2026

In a recent interview Lance Dodes, a retired assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, told journalist Ian Masters that Trump’s motivations are not complex.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

In his immensely engaging book, “This Vast Enterprise,” Craig Fehrman strives to capture the motivations, values and ideas of the individuals who contributed to this multifaceted historical event.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

There are other more recent motivations behind gold’s fall, however.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

“You just ask them which tastes better, and by that indirect method you get a picture of what their true motivations are.”

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell