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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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.
Related Words
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
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
The race for minority whip became heated on social media in recent days, but Anderson said her decision to speak out wasn’t politically motivated.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 8 July 2025
Jodie Cook, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Portage Police said their initial investigation showed the shooting may have been motivated by romantic rivalry.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivated
Adjective
Albanese's work, which includes accusations of genocide against Israel, has drawn fierce criticism from U.S. officials and allies who view her reports as biased and politically motivated.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
The race for minority whip became heated on social media in recent days, but Anderson said her decision to speak out wasn’t politically motivated.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 8 July 2025
Verb
Their biggest obstacles include [list obstacles] and they're motivated by [describe what drives them].
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Portage Police said their initial investigation showed the shooting may have been motivated by romantic rivalry.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motivated
Adjective
-
Although resilience often looks like luck or good character, the ability to prevent or reduce losses from any type of risk entails careful planning and diligent efforts.—
Louis Gritzo,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
The group was not always diligent about following military directives.—
Asaf Elia-Shalev,
Sun Sentinel,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Before the Democratic National Convention in 1912, McCombs encouraged prominent journalists and editors to write articles supportive of Wilson's nomination.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The party has dismissed the raucous town halls in conservative districts as the work of liberal activist groups, which have encouraged people to flood public forums in an attempt to highlight frustrations with the administration.—
Riley Beggin,
USA TODAY,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Together, the data reveals different layers of the galaxy's structure and energetic processes, highlighted by bright gold light in the image.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
24 July 2025
-
The image of a tiny hamster running endlessly on a spinning wheel has become an iconic part of owning these small, energetic animals.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
By morning, they were determined to find a way out.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN Money,
20 July 2025
-
With a bout against WBA champion Fernando Daniel Martinez already confirmed for November, Rodriguez must first take care of business against a dangerous and determined Cafu.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
Our publicist persuaded the New York Times to do an article on the hundredth anniversary of La Bohème and its staying power as reflected by Rent.—
Jeffrey Seller,
Vulture,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Convinced that sunken treasures were hidden beneath what was about to become three high-rise buildings, the amateur river detectives donned hard hats and persuaded a backhoe operator to let them onto the site.—
Kinsey Gidick,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The same dynamic plays out in boardrooms where executives protect their analytical reputation instead of building strategic influence.—
John Kania,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
Biggest question: How might the linebacker dynamic change in Allen’s scheme? Edmunds and Edwards spent the spring working at both the weak-side and middle linebacker spots (Edwards missed some time with a soft-tissue injury).—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
22 July 2025
Verb
-
If Brown is enticed by the chance to see that through, the Chiefs can take advantage and alleviate some of the risk by luring him with some incentives based on playing time.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
7 Mar. 2025
-
With more cap space leaguewide than expected, Zucker may be enticed by the idea of hitting free agency coming off a career year.—
Matthew Fairburn,
The Athletic,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
As growth in the region has pushed west and commercial development has accelerated beyond Boise, Idaho’s second-largest city has added jobs, boosted wages and caught the eye of employers eager to set up shop in a central location and cut their workers’ commute times.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
14 July 2025
-
Applications for the program will open later this year and the government is optimistic about strong interest from those eager to capitalize on this opportunity.—
Panorama Media Ltd,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motivated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motivated. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share