motivator

noun

mo·​ti·​va·​tor ˈmō-tə-ˌvā-tər How to pronounce motivator (audio)
plural motivators
: one that motivates or impels someone or something
a subconscious motivator of behavior
: such as
a
: a factor or situation that causes people to feel motivated to do something : incentive
Only a fool, though, would deny that money is a very real and basic need and, of course, a motivator of sorts.Robert W. Corl
Exercising with someone else … can be a motivator.Joanne Lannin
Andre Harris, without basketball as a motivator, had slipped back into bad habits academically.John Feinstein
b
: a person who motivates others
But Romo's not an enabler; he's a motivator, says [Jessica] Simpson. "If I'm not feeling good about myself, he'll say, 'Get your butt up and go to the gym then!'"Michelle Tan

Examples of motivator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Not all will succeed at first, but failure after all, is a great motivator. Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Trump on Monday suggested that trade with the U.S. could be a motivator for both countries in peace talks. David Brennan, ABC News, 19 May 2025 Powe says the legacy of her mother, who won four overall state titles in triple jump and long jump before going on to compete at Nebraska, was a motivator as she’s emerged as one of the best triple-jumpers in state history. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 15 May 2025 But there are also other motivators, including social connections, a sense of purpose or meaningful work that may help inspire individuals to continue to work. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for motivator

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of motivator was in 1909

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Cite this Entry

“Motivator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivator. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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