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

Bessent was among a number of Republicans who criticized that step — done via the regular quarterly debt-issuance statement — as politically motivated, being aimed at juicing the pre-election economy. — Christopher Anstey, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026 Internet discussions portrayed the SPLC as a politically motivated or illegitimate actor. — Art Jipson, The Conversation, 20 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

After Wednesday's hearing, Warren said he was encouraged by the judge's questions and hoped for a ruling before students return for the new semester.

— Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
The story reported that, wary of potential consequences for employment in California, Newsom had encouraged Bonta to find a solution out of court.

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of encouraged

Adjective

Both bands, originating from the Chicagoland area, delivered energetic sets to an enthusiastic crowd.

— Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
The gregarious and media-savvy Hilton has been waging an energetic and effervescent run for governor, with multiple appearances a day and frequent updates to his cheeky social media accounts.

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

Definition of energetic

Verb

The plant, which has not been identified for security reasons, was forced to close for four days because of the infiltration, the report said.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Within a mind-spinning eight months, Zori Timeless Hotel was born, cleverly converted from the old pension into four luxurious residences within the confines of strict planning regulations that forced them to use the existing space.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 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

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
Last summer, Curtis persuaded them to join Citizen Historians, a grassroots effort to monitor Smithsonian exhibitions for political interference.

— Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 20 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

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
Ryninks was delighted to have enticed such a high calibre of Welsh talent aboard this small indie.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 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 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of motivated

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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Cite this Entry

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