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.

The film’s greatest mystery may be how an actress as gifted as Tanaka failed to motivate a leading man as naturally charismatic as Nakadai.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

Then there was the Hollywood fear factor to motivate him.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Solid first-quarter results “could motivate some bullish capitulation” for those investors, said Krishna and his team.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

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

This would guarantee sales for the drug companies and motivate them to produce the drugs at cheap prices.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Vocabulary lists containing motivate

List 5

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