MOTIVATIONS Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

motivations

noun

plural of motivation

as in incentives

something that arouses action or activity fear of failing should be plenty of motivation to study for the test

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Recent Examples of motivations Palal acknowledged that Davis’ accounts of the killing evolved over the years but argued those differences reflected Davis’ changing motivations and efforts to protect himself. — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026 For example, experts might put a lot of effort into listening to community needs to demonstrate integrity and openness, but miss opportunities to communicate the underlying benevolent motivations driving their work. — John C. Besley, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 For example, positive motivations for trying to improve your personal appearance could be a desire to boost your self-esteem or feel more open to connecting with those around you. — Jennifer Donnelly, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026 The festival has flatly denied that those were its motivations. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2026 The Whisper Man director James Ashcroft explains the motivations of the film’s serial killer antagonist. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026 The extradition treaty says the executive branch has the authority to determine if political motivations are involved. — Bill Chappell, NPR, 27 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivations

Noun

Industry stakeholders argued that the measure had the unintended consequence of hamstringing Hollywood’s recovery by limiting the ability of studios to use state incentives for in-state production.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
Pritzker even signed a 2019 bill that encouraged the use of tax incentives to help ensure data-center growth.

— David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of incentives

Noun

Many folks send encouragements toward OP mom and her son, while others put heat on the other parents for sexualizing their kids’ friendship.

— DeVonne Goode, Parents, 26 July 2026
All through the park, competitors and onlookers hit vapes and shout tips and encouragements into trees.

— Calin Van Paris, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026

Definition of encouragements

Browse Nearby Words

motivational

motivations

motivative

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“Motivations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivations. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of motivations

noun

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