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
Her accusations set off a drumbeat within the legal world urging Judge Ho to look deeply into the federal government’s motives. —Hurubie Meko, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 Intuitive police lieutenant Héctor Castro delves into the deep tangle of secrets or personal crime stories of each patient, who all have a motive for murder. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
Police are investigating the circumstances and motive around the shooting and have not announced any arrests. —Dallas News, 18 May 2022 The coming together of both aspects of his game has also led him to become more vocal on the court, both to keep himself motivated and to motive others. —oregonlive, 5 Aug. 2020 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
  • But neither his diagnosis nor his treatment by the psychiatrist were disclosed to Glossip's defense team, which Drummond said indicated prosecutors elicited false testimony on the matter.
    — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Bilirakis’ notice suggests next Tuesday’s event will be a topical, rather than legislative, hearing, meaning that it is intended to gather input on a matter as opposed to advance a specific bill for markup.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of matter
Noun
  • Every detail aligned with the central motif of the rose—even the bag handles were accented with thorns.
    — Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Taken together with another of the episode’s major motifs—the essentialistic concept of good vs. evil—this snake stuff raises fascinating ideas that dovetail with the season’s overarching theme of Western characters encountering Eastern spirituality.
    — Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of motif
Noun
  • This is yet another reason why AI can serve humanity but can never replace people outright.
    — Michael Ashley, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • But the reason for this recent drop in yields — softer economic growth expectations — may mean that’s not the case this time, according to Morgan Stanley strategists led by Michael Wilson.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • Miami attorney Marcell Felipe, founder of Inspire America, a group that advocates for freedom for Cuba and the Americas, noted that Diaz-Balart motivated an entire generation to continue fighting for global freedom.
    — Nora Gámez Torres and, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
  • While Adrien Brody And Mikey Madison Take Home Top Acting Honors The Ramifications Of An Elevated Perception Of Counseling Directors Braun argued that understanding the role and value of a counseling center director should motivate schools to develop a strategic campus-wide mental health plan.
    — Eric Wood, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of motivate
Noun
  • Baker's previous films, including The Florida Project (2017) and Red Rocket (2021), have a lot to say about class and exploitation, and these themes also surface in Anora's ending.
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The themes of destiny, redemption, and sacrifice never get old.
    — DeVonne Goode, Parents, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of theme
Noun
  • Thai design traditionally focuses on creating spaces that feel balanced, harmonious, and deeply connected to nature.
    — Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The actress already had a relationship with Burton, having worn one of her designs for Alexander McQueen to the Oscars in 2020.
    — Joelle Diderich, WWD, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of design
Verb
  • Images of his feet quickly began circulating online, setting off a craze on the internet.
    — Jessica Botelho, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Many of them had walked up to 200 km to get there, setting off days earlier and only arriving Friday evening.
    — Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of set off
Noun
  • Many have struggled with the ethical conundrum and the whole mind-bending shenanigan is undoubtedly going to remain a morally thorny topic for eons to come.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Brendel Hightower writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press.
    — Brendel Hightower, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of topic

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Cite this Entry

“Motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motive. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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