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.

He pointed out that most of the people at the scene were motivated to help in the search for the missing boy.

From BBC

Honoring those contributions through careful and rigorous science motivates our entire team.

From Science Daily

His success in liberating deserving people who would otherwise be rotting away in prison—even if he was motivated only by vanity—suggests he may very well deserve the Nobel.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It is true that we would have liked to come into this game with a victory but now it is time for the Champions League and we are all motivated."

From Barron's

But when the ski season is over, Braathen seeks out a world away from the sport "in order to come back motivated".

From Barron's

motivate

Example Sentences

Related Words