motive 1 of 2

noun

ˈmō-tiv How to pronounce motive (audio)
Definition of motivenext
1
as in matter
a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition) the principal motive of the piece was introduced in the flute section

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in motif
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) decorated with a paisley motive

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in reason
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing the detective felt that the first suspect didn't have any motive for committing the crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

motive

2 of 2

verb

as in to motivate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun motive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of motive are goad, impulse, incentive, inducement, and spur. While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

In what contexts can goad take the place of motive?

The synonyms goad and motive are sometimes interchangeable, but goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

When could impulse be used to replace motive?

The meanings of impulse and motive largely overlap; however, impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

When would incentive be a good substitute for motive?

The words incentive and motive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

When is inducement a more appropriate choice than motive?

Although the words inducement and motive have much in common, inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

When might spur be a better fit than motive?

In some situations, the words spur and motive are roughly equivalent. However, spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

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 motive
Noun
The suspect or any of the victims have not yet been officially identified and a motive for the shooting remains unclear. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 11 June 2025 At her trial this fall, the prosecution, in their opening statements, presented that posted photo of Daniel and his new girlfriend as the prime motive for murder. —Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 11 June 2025
Verb
Police are interviewing Thompson's family and friends in Minnesota to see if anyone might have motive to kill him. —Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024 White working-class New Yorkers increasingly felt not only alienated but also motived to express their dissatisfaction. —Longreads, 3 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for motive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motive
  1. matter
  2. motif
  3. reason
  4. motivate
  5. theme
  6. design
  7. set off
  8. topic
Noun
  • Businesses are collateral damage as the explosion of immigration enforcement worsens staffing issues for businesses already facing worker shortages, according to Amy Peck, a partner with the Jackson Lewis law firm who represents employers in immigration matters.
    — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 13 June 2025
  • While the matter is unrelated to FAMU, she has been placed on administrative leave with pay until further notice.
    — Oumou Fofana, Essence, 13 June 2025
Definition of matter
Noun
  • Mission accomplished: The Nature Sauvage high-jewelry collection reveals a progression of the French brand’s iconic motifs and designs in colorful, playful styles.
    — Jill Newman, Robb Report, 12 June 2025
  • The design seems to be based on the recent Himalayan 450, albeit with more flowing lines across the seat and faux fuel tank, a ridged motif across the top of the fuel tank and battery cover, and sculpted mainframe and subframe bits.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 11 June 2025
Definition of motif
Noun
  • Musk vehemently opposes the bill for this reason − after all, wasn't the whole point of DOGE to cut waste and reduce spending?
    — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • Families send their children to camp for lots of reasons, one being child care.
    — Davon Loeb, Parents, 7 June 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • Yet others will work most of their waking hours, motivated by both enjoyment of work and the luxuries that work will buy.
    — Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Wisconsin said the Catholic Charities bureau and four affiliates had to participate in the state’s unemployment benefits system because the work being performed is primarily secular, even if it’s motivated by religious belief.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Definition of motivate
Noun
  • The book traces the theme that put this year's Met Gala on the map, and the history that precedes it, from a century old aesthetic to hip hop culture and beyond.
    — Nadja Sayej, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Boy names for Pisces Finn: Go ahead, lean into the aquatic theme!
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 June 2025
Definition of theme
Noun
  • The challenge is evolving its design in contemporary ways.
    — Jill Newman, Robb Report, 12 June 2025
  • For other styles and designs of squirrel-proof bird feeders from Amazon, see our other suggestions below.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2025
Definition of design
Verb
  • Stanko fled the scene, setting off a nationwide manhunt that made national headlines.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • The camera cut to the Prince of Wales saddling up on a black horse named Darby and setting off on his mount to participate in the parade.
    — Janine Henni, People.com, 14 June 2025
Definition of set off
Noun
  • The incident raised the question of whether such hard racing was over the limit or within accepted bounds, a topic that continued to surface throughout different parts of the 2024 season.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 14 June 2025
  • Among European policymakers and companies, this has been an important topic.
    — Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 June 2025
Definition of topic

Browse Nearby Words

motivative
motive
motived
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motive. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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