Synonyms

motivate

American

[moh-tuh-veyt] / ˈmoʊ təˌveɪt /

verb (used with object)

motivated, motivating

to provide with a motive, or a cause or reason to act; incite; impel.

Synonyms:

cause, prompt, provoke, move, induce

motivate British

/ ˈməʊtɪˌveɪt /

verb

(tr) to give incentive to

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

demotivate verb (used with object)
motivator noun
nonmotivated adjective
remotivate verb (used with object)
unmotivated adjective
unmotivating adjective
well-motivated adjective

Etymology

Origin of motivate

First recorded in 1860–65; motive + -ate ¹

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.

“While I’m stoked that Illinois has a real shot, I want to avoid any kind of motivated cognition.”

From The Wall Street Journal

"Sometimes a kid does not give everything. We say: Estevao was not like that. Estevao dedicated himself, he committed, he did not complain. That motivates them."

From BBC

Kalshi said such a ban “would just push this behavior offshore, where no regulation exists” and that the bill “is motivated by casino interests that are threatened by competition.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The gist of the message was: "We have lots of young, motivated people looking for vocational training and we're wondering if you're interested."

From BBC

One can’t help but wonder what is motivating her at this point.

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023