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.

Learning with others, or having the support of others, can help motivate us to learn.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

She hopes her experience can motivate others to rethink their job search in a tough market.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

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

He was a tall, good-looking, smart, tough man who knew how to motivate people.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt

Vocabulary lists containing motivate

List 5

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

NAEP Test Words

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Mother's Day Words: What Mothers Do

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!