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 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

On Tuesday evening, Meta introduced a new stock option program for senior executives to motivate them to grow the company at an extremely aggressive pace and reach a $9 trillion-plus valuation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Only a call from a persistent lawyer might motivate officers to actually find those items and return them by mail.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2026

But instead of succumbing to the pressure, she lets it motivate her.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

I won’t have Jonah there to motivate me.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

motivate

Example Sentences

Related Words