motivation

noun

ˌmō-tə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce motivation (audio)
Definition of motivationnext
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity fear of failing should be plenty of motivation to study for the test

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of motivation But the new report notes that the AI agents spent considerably more time on this message board discussing those cybersecurity challenges that were extremely difficult, suggesting the agents had a high motivation to solve them. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 No political motivations, no going on every talk show screaming about how this side is wrong of that side is wrong. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 But cheating on non-cyber tests suggested that the misbehavior might be rooted more deeply, said Jeffrey Ladish, whose organization, Palisade Research, studies the capabilities and motivations of AI agents. — Reuters, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026 The survey found that more than a quarter of brand-conscious clothes shoppers say the best-quality products were their main motivation, compared with 17 percent of price-conscious shoppers. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motivation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivation
  1. incentive
  2. impetus
  3. encouragement
  4. stimulus
Noun
  • In July, California’s Public Utilities Commission approved new incentives of up to $20,300 for ride-hailing app drivers to buy or lease new zero-emission vehicles, and often now, ride hailers can choose to be picked up by an EV on the apps.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Lucrative contracts in the French league, lack of incentive to travel overseas and strict rules from the French Federation meant a local product grew but never went global.
    — Eden Laase, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • The impetus was Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which contains gory scenes that are definitely too intense for young kids but more appropriate for teens, and thus, the PG-13 rating was born.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The maintenance needed on the 368,000 miles of roads in America’s national forests was one impetus for the Roadless Rule in 2001.
    — Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • Angela recalled him providing clothing, shoes and money to people experiencing homelessness, along with the words of encouragement that came naturally to him.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As captured by a parent, a note that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sent to its graduates includes kind words and encouragement from the star.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • Shape-memory polymers can be programmed to return to a particular shape after exposure to a stimulus, often heat.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Surrounded by the healing landscape of the Sonoran Desert, the luxe getaway has welcomed travelers seeking to put aside digital overload and other overwhelming stimuli in order to reconnect with the best versions of themselves.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of stimulus

Browse Nearby Words

motivating
motivation
motivational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivation. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motivation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motivation

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