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.

I recently noticed a loss that surprised me: Classic sports movies don’t motivate my children as they do me.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

“Gavin is the candidate who can motivate both the left and the center,” Hastings told The Times, referring to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

Nintendo is releasing games that are exclusive to the Switch 2, which could motivate people to buy the device.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

I won’t have Jonah there to motivate me.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Vocabulary lists containing motivate

List 5

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NAEP Test Words

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