as in inspirational
serving or likely to arouse action or activity
A poster with a motivational message was hung above the water cooler. The conference will feature talks by some well-known motivational speakers.
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Recent Examples of motivational
When to go foam-at-the-mouth intense and when to tug on heartstrings with one of her motivational speeches.
—
Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
The pair first met during a brief encounter at an awards show in 2012, but didn’t become acquainted until 2019 after the were both booked as speakers at an event in Florida organized by motivational speaker Tony Robbins.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
The writer and motivational speaker, 37, has a long-time relationship with journaling and has praised the practice for carrying her through life.
—Yamillah Hurtado, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The Agency Gap In Schools Agency is not simply a motivational slogan.
—Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
That’s turned out to not only be a kind leadership style, but a motivational one for a business with global ambitions.
—Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
The major winner gave a motivational speech to the team Saturday night, which captain Nathan Smith credited for energizing the squad.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Lazarus is comfortable knowing that his sardonic smack-talking can only give Belichick, and the team, more motivational fodder for next season.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 3 Sep. 2025
Because, let’s face it, this was in Coach Fambrough’s prime and his speech was the most motivational thing that most of us (players) had ever heard.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025
Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
The pair first met during a brief encounter at an awards show in 2012, but didn’t become acquainted until 2019 after the were both booked as speakers at an event in Florida organized by motivational speaker Tony Robbins.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
The writer and motivational speaker, 37, has a long-time relationship with journaling and has praised the practice for carrying her through life.
—Yamillah Hurtado, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The Agency Gap In Schools Agency is not simply a motivational slogan.
—Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
That’s turned out to not only be a kind leadership style, but a motivational one for a business with global ambitions.
—Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
The major winner gave a motivational speech to the team Saturday night, which captain Nathan Smith credited for energizing the squad.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Lazarus is comfortable knowing that his sardonic smack-talking can only give Belichick, and the team, more motivational fodder for next season.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 3 Sep. 2025
Because, let’s face it, this was in Coach Fambrough’s prime and his speech was the most motivational thing that most of us (players) had ever heard.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivational
Adjective
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One is Utah native Whitney Leavitt, who gained popularity as part of #MomTok, a group of Mormon mothers who create fun and inspirational content on TikTok.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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What a shame that what resulted is such plasticky schmaltz, a movie that could easily have been based on a once-trendy inspirational Instagram account, Rupi Kaur meets Dallas Clayton by way of a Claritin ad.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Rather than recognizing the change as inspiring, the stagnant partner may perceive it as judgment, even if the growth is communicated without criticism.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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In addition to the performances, the show will spotlight inspiring stories of resilience and service by members of the military, while raising awareness and critical funds for the foundation.—
Frank DiGiacomo,
Billboard,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motivational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivational. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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