motivate
verb
mo·ti·vate
ˈmō-tə-ˌvāt 
motivated; motivating
1
: to give (someone) a reason for doing something
questions that excite and motivate youth
She was motivated by a desire to help children.
2
: to be a reason for something
said that money did not motivate their decision
Examples of motivate in a Sentence
No one knows what motivated him to act in such a violent way.
Recent Examples on the Web
However, if Miami thinks Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq is a game-changer they could be motivated to use the 11th pick on the dynamic athlete.
—
Omar Kelly
march 16, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
The group disbanded in 2010, but during the hiatus and reunion tour, new fans were posting videos of the band’s music and showing off their Voxtrot tattoo inspirations, which was enough to motivate Srivastava.
—Charlie Vargas, Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
She is motivated by her passion for art and her commitment to principles of equity and inclusion.
—Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Wendy Lewis, an attorney for Richins, argued Lauber did not deal fentanyl and was motivated to lie for legal protection.
—ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motivate
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Omar Kelly
march 16, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
The group disbanded in 2010, but during the hiatus and reunion tour, new fans were posting videos of the band’s music and showing off their Voxtrot tattoo inspirations, which was enough to motivate Srivastava.
—Charlie Vargas, Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
She is motivated by her passion for art and her commitment to principles of equity and inclusion.
—Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Wendy Lewis, an attorney for Richins, argued Lauber did not deal fentanyl and was motivated to lie for legal protection.
—ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motivate
Cite this Entry
“Motivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
motivate
verb
mo·ti·vate
ˈmōt-ə-ˌvāt
motivated; motivating
: to provide with a reason for doing something : induce
Medical Definition
motivate
transitive verb
mo·ti·vate
ˈmōt-ə-ˌvāt
motivated; motivating
: to provide with a motive or serve as a motive for
motivate patients to change unhealthy lifestyles
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