motivator

American  

[moh-tuh-vey-ter] / ˈmoʊ təˌveɪ tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that gives people an incentive or reason for acting.

   He's a great teacher and coach—a master motivator both in the classroom and on the basketball court.

   Money is important, but often it isn't the primary motivator when a candidate accepts a job offer.

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Other Word Forms

• demotivator noun

Etymology

Origin of motivator

motivat(e) ( def. ) + -or ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Mayweather is 49 and Pacquiao 47, yet another staggering payday serves as a great motivator.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

I wanted to show that humor lives within this and that a lot of resilience and strength are also within this, and that was really the motivator.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

Ms. Atwood shows how an effort to make sense of—and peace with—the past can be a powerful motivator and a deep source of imaginative possibility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

Self-will is a powerful motivator, and it may have served you well up until now.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 10, 2025

I believe that economic incentive is crucial as a motivator, especially in a consumer-driven society.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Related Words

• instigator
• mover