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

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

He says the hope it engenders can not only help people cope emotionally with a cancer diagnosis but can even motivate them to seek treatment.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

Campaigns set the per-signature price to motivate collectors, and the price tends to rise as the ballot deadline approaches.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

It was a mission that would motivate and frustrate her all her life.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Vocabulary lists containing motivate

List 5

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