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.

We are grateful for the opportunities provided to us, opportunities that foster our personal growth and motivate us to move forward and build a better life.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026

Small, intermittent rewards can motivate you to keep going.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 30, 2026

The company has said it hopes that the R2’s specs will help motivate people who hadn’t considered EVs in the past.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026

"It's a story of someone who dared to dream, and I want people to take this example and motivate themselves to be very ambitious and to go for whatever their heart desires."

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

Nothing can motivate me out of this bed but an urgent need to go to the bathroom.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

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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