as in motivational
serving or likely to arouse action or activity
The biggest motivating factor behind her decision to change jobs was the pay increase. The positive feedback he received was very motivating.
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as in encouraging
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 motivating
Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 14 Jan. 2026
There’s something motivating about having this low, electronic drumbeat pushing you along, trying to go faster and faster and faster.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
Your 2nd House of Resources activates as the life-giving Sun conjoins combative Mars, motivating you to polish your skills, then price your improved work fairly.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
The success of resident pushback in places like Franklin Township and elsewhere are motivating them to keep fighting.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025
For some people, SMART goals can be really motivating.
—Kelly Mickle, SELF, 29 Dec. 2025
The endorsement of Tepper, who died in 2024, is still motivating her.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2025
However, the reasons behind declining financing costs – economic uncertainty – aren’t exactly motivating many folks to close a sale.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025
Prediction With more firepower and the home crowd motivating TCU, the Horned Frogs start their four-game gauntlet with a 31-17 win over Iowa State, setting up a massive showdown next week at BYU.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
What’s more, knowing your numbers can be motivating, Comite says.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivating
Adjective
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Here’s everything to know about Chris Robbins and his relationship with the motivational speaker.—
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Bowen agrees that Summerville duly answered Nuno’s motivational pleas.—
Verb
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The Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety is also encouraging impacted customers to contact them by submitting a complaint online or calling 303-866-4967.—
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Known for encouraging collaboration in a competitive industry, Brotherton was widely regarded as someone who championed other cooks as much as his own success.—
Verb
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That simple change would introduce real competition, allowing merchants to choose lower-cost options and forcing the dominant players to compete on price and service--just like any other market.—
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Jackson remains optimistic that Medicaid cuts will spur a public backlash against lawmakers, forcing Congress to reverse Medicaid cuts before additional layoffs are necessary.—
Adjective
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This is about believing in a future that feels both inspiring and supportive.—
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This inspiring annual gathering brings together survivors, advocates, medical leaders, and community partners to celebrate hope, progress, and the collective power driving change in the fight against breast cancer, according to a news release.—
Verb
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Still, enticing sign-up offers from major issuers, including Citi, which recently revamped its Strata Elite card, can promise thousands of dollars in value.—
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In theory, these tubs offer a luxurious, spa-like experience enticing to homeowners in the middle of a large bathroom renovation.—
Verb
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Spector told me that, when customers abandon an item in their shopping cart, WhatsApp is six times more effective than e-mail at persuading people to complete their purchases.—
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Tsunetomo referred to the example of Nakano Shōgen, who brought peace after persuading his lord, Mitsushige, to apologize for not paying proper respect to certain families within the clan.—
Verb
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Instead of stimulating the brain, alcohol slows it down and loosens inhibitions.—
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So to ensure that everyone is working in harmony, the exec is revamping the usual chain of command; Colgate’s top leaders are hearing out entry-level staffers, stimulating the flow of ideas between ranks and generations to generate the best possible outcome.—
Cite this Entry
“Motivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivating. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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