MOTIVATED Synonyms: 137 Similar and Opposite Words

motivated 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of motivated

as in diligent

having a strong desire for personal advancement He was lauded by faculty as an exceptionally hardworking, curious, and motivated student. The company was looking for motivated self-starters to fill the sales position.

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motivated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of motivate

as in encouraged

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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Dissimilar Words

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 motivated

Adjective

Norcross always maintained his innocence and called the case politically motivated. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 Retailers who used to treat the month as clearance time now have a live, motivated shopper base still filling gaps in supply lists. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026

Verb

For dealerships, the move to emphasize service is motivated by growing pressure. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026 Greenidge, an award-winning public historian, refuted all charges, and told the New York Times that attacks on her scholarship were racially motivated. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motivated

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivated

Adjective

More recently, diligent and passionate biologists, chemists, and experts from other disciplines have used technology for contemporary experiments that reveal a spectrum of plant consciousness.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026
Dark circles happen, acne pops up, and dark spots can even appear despite diligent sunscreen use.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of diligent

Verb

When government applies the rules consistently, businesses have the confidence to invest, innovation is encouraged, public institutions earn greater trust and the public benefits.

— Robin Rossenfeld, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2026
Anyone with information on the collision is encouraged to contact Officer Giovanni Zaino of the Middletown Police Patrol Division at 860-638-4000, ext 6323.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of encouraged

Verb

As more cars wrecked behind the incident, NASCAR was forced to throw the caution flag — freezing the field with Preece in front.

— Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Sometimes, operators were forced to drain one pond and divert its water to save fish in another, the Hungarian Aquaculture and Fisheries Inter-branch Organization said in early August.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of forced

Adjective

With his newfound resolve/death wish, Jacob is determined to keep his sister’s and nephew’s killers on that bridge until backup arrives.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
The National Hurricane Center has a set number of lists, which include one pre-determined name for every letter of the alphabet, that are used on a rotational basis, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

— Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of determined

Verb

The inability of conservatives to break the opposition once and for all persuaded the establishment to try to cut deals with Thaksin’s Pheu Thai Party instead.

— Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026
Stuart Evey, who oversaw who oversaw Getty Oil’s investments outside its core oil business, persuaded the company's board to invest $10 million for an 85% stake.

— Nicole Kraft, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of persuaded

Adjective

The arrival of Marmoush, a springy runner who is dangerous on the break and dynamic with his off-ball movement, helped reinforce a bolder new approach.

— Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
The physical robot demonstrated highly dynamic movements, including aerial cartwheels, spin kicks, and flip kicks.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of dynamic

Verb

The Senegal international is enticed by the option of joining Galatasaray and that presents an issue while the transfer window is open.

— Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Marvel Studios began moving its production operations to Georgia, enticed by the state’s uncapped tax credits that could be used for actors’ salaries.

— Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of enticed

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Style

“Motivated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivated. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of motivated

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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