motivator

noun

mo·​ti·​va·​tor ˈmō-tə-ˌvā-tər 

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

Informal moments, like a quick conversation over coffee or an unscheduled check-in, have been some of the most insightful opportunities to connect and understand my team’s motivators. —Toyna Chin, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

One in 10 survey respondents aged 6 to 14 said that supporting their parents or the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on prices (11%) are top motivators for their savings habits. —Mia Taylor, Parents, 12 Dec. 2024

Robinson cited burnout and harassment as his motivator and Harrison pointed to frustrations with government processes as her reason. —Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2024

Pride is a powerful motivator, according to senior outside linebacker Donnell Brown. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above