as in to encourage
to rouse to action or activity
The presence of treats motivated the dogs to obey their owner's commands. They drove a campaign to motivate voters to show up to the polls.
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Recent Examples of motivate
Law enforcement officials have not conclusively said Balmer’s alleged attack was motivated by hate or antisemitism.
—
Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025
Businesses that prioritize quality education create a workforce that is not only skilled, but also motivated to contribute to long-term success.
—Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Mentors will be available to motivate students who seem to be struggling or provide advice.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
His length and experience closing the season at offensive tackle due to injury, might motivate some teams to move him outside.
—John Devine, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivate
Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025
Businesses that prioritize quality education create a workforce that is not only skilled, but also motivated to contribute to long-term success.
—Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Mentors will be available to motivate students who seem to be struggling or provide advice.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
His length and experience closing the season at offensive tackle due to injury, might motivate some teams to move him outside.
—John Devine, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivate
Verb
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The goal of the tax subsidies was to encourage more Americans to save for retirement.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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This is achieved through proper irrigation, mowing, and fertilization to encourage healthy plant development.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Another factor that might hamper Chelsea’s attempts to persuade Rak-Sakyi to stay is what has happened to his brother, Jesurun.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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The administration is expected to return to the Supreme Court quickly in an effort to persuade the justices to lift their temporary order.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Five years after the pandemic forced children into remote instruction, two-thirds of U.S. fourth graders still cannot read at grade level.—
K. Dara Hill,
The Conversation,
24 Apr. 2025
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However, Barron's slender frame and short arms may force him to play as a nickel corner in the NFL.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Jay Joyner, defensive end The Athletic, 5th round; PFF: 6th round, NFL.com: 5.97 (average backup or special teamer); RAS, 6.88 At 6-4, 262 pounds and with above-average testing, the Connecticut product will entice teams as an edge rusher.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
21 Apr. 2025
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Related article Marijuana ads are enticing kids to try weed, study says The potency of weed has skyrocketed over the years, which can heighten health risks and is leading to a global rise in marijuana addiction as well as cannabis use disorder, according to a 2022 study.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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May the light of Easter inspire efforts to promote harmony in the western Balkans and sustain political leaders in their efforts to allay tensions and crises, and, together with their partner countries in the region, to reject dangerous and destabilizing actions.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr.,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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Scroll on and get inspired by these 18 beauties — and then come back tomorrow, Tuesday, April 22, to see who graces the cover of the 2025 World's Most Beautiful issue.—
Brittany Talarico,
People.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The importance of daylight The infrared light found in daylight can modulate inflammation, stimulate collagen production, prevent neurodegeneration, and even optimize mitochondria, which produce energy inside our cells.—
Ana Morales,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
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Greece started its golden visa program in 2013 to stabilize housing prices and stimulate growth in a country facing a recession, skyrocketing unemployment, and austerity measures imposed by international lenders.—
Meehika Barua,
HubSpot,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Alvarado needed two pitches to end the game, inducing a lineout from Marlins infielder Xavier Edwards to preserve an 11-10 win.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
20 Apr. 2025
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Finally Streaming Companion The daunting experience of going on a vacation with a new flame’s friends goes from anxiety inducing to bloody awful in this horror-comedy.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivate. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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