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
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
as in to motivate
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motive
Truebridge Capital, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Product philosophy, collaboration, and motive The technology has already been successfully implemented in select showcase stores and events across Brazil.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2025
Claire Franken, TVLine, 18 Sep. 2025
Kirk was killed while speaking about mass shootings perpetrated by transgender people, and over the weekend, it was revealed that Robinson is in a domestic relationship with a transgender partner, further fueling speculations over the shooter’s motive.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motive
Noun
Doug Leone, Sequoia 2011: #11 | 2025: #7 With a knack for understanding people and what motives them, Doug Leone landed a sales job at Sun Microsystems right out of college.
—Truebridge Capital, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Product philosophy, collaboration, and motive The technology has already been successfully implemented in select showcase stores and events across Brazil.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
D’Arcy says that as the stakes get higher, more and more questions will arise about the motives of the central Tony & Ziva characters — and their fates are not guaranteed.
—Claire Franken, TVLine, 18 Sep. 2025
Kirk was killed while speaking about mass shootings perpetrated by transgender people, and over the weekend, it was revealed that Robinson is in a domestic relationship with a transgender partner, further fueling speculations over the shooter’s motive.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motive
Noun
-
Griffin released his first opinion on the matter Wednesday stating Rawn's statement reflected sanctuary policy.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Regaining the base became a topic of bilateral discussion around that time, according to a report from CNN citing sources familiar with the matter.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The motifs are also seen on a travel wardrobe, which includes silk pajamas, T-shirts, hoodies, comfort blankets, sandals, tennis shoes and a diverse range of accessories.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
19 Sep. 2025
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There’s also a unique Star Cluster motif that is painted onto the passenger side of the dashboard and embroidered into the headrests and door panels.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Republicans argued this, and not pressure from Carr, was the reason behind ABC’s decision to bench Kimmel.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
-
However, GPUs will remain one of the best solutions for both AI training and AI inference processing for two key reasons, which Nvidia is building upon with the Rubin CPX announcement.—
Jim McGregor,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The new climb to 550 after the old cap of 450 (which was absolutely insane to reach before), is just not motivating at all.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
And Tebogo, who repeatedly suggested Lyles talks too much, will assuredly be motivated to prove the Olympic win wasn’t a fluke, or just a product of Lyles catching COVID.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The atmospheric psychological drama explores themes of surveillance, grief and identity.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Continuing the hotel’s forest theme of the Great Hall lobby, the new concierge lounge will be inspired by giant sequoias.—
Jessica Peralta,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
With Vectis, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is acting on a bold vision to deliver high-end survivability and mission systems capability at aggressive cost targets and design, build and fly within two years, as per the release.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Sep. 2025
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Vernova is also planning to build new nuclear plants in North America with its advanced small reactor design, the BWRX-300.—
Spencer Kimball,
CNBC,
21 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The two, three, and even four-bedroom residences are spacious, feature mature olive trees, relaxing grounds, and gourmet kitchens.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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That's sound on both economic and strategic grounds.—
Joel Thayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The ball smashes into the floodlights, and Hobbs sets off on his victory trot, in slow motion, with sparks cascading behind him like fireworks.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The Rumors The identification of Rivas set off a wave of speculation and rumor, especially regarding her possible ties to Burke.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motive. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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