motivator

American  

[moh-tuh-vay-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.

---

Other Word Forms

• demotivator
  noun

---

Etymology

Origin of motivator

motivat(e) ( def. ) + -or ² ( def. )

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

motivator

Opposition to new data-center construction appeared to be a potent motivator for voters, and now investors will need to wait and see how a slower pace of development redounds on markets.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 4, 2026

Pocketbook issues have always been the single strongest motivator for the electorate.

From Salon ● Aug. 13, 2026

The seemingly ridiculous premise became a real motivator once the games started.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026

“The motivator was building this game forever, cementing it in American sports,” said Caligiuri, 62.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 7, 2026

Hope in the shadow of fear is the world’s most powerful motivator.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• instigator
• mover

---