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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motive
Hunter Ingram, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025
The York County District Attorney’s Office has not released a motive, but a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation told CNN that Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, believed that more could have been done to save his wife, who was on life support at the hospital for a terminal illness.
—Chris Boyette, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025
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
Noun
Moira has become a jolt of energy for Rowan this season, standing up to her authority and questioning her motives.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025
The York County District Attorney’s Office has not released a motive, but a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation told CNN that Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, believed that more could have been done to save his wife, who was on life support at the hospital for a terminal illness.
—Chris Boyette, CNN, 2 Mar. 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
Noun
-
Austin Cindric's $50,000 penalty is becoming a hot topic in NASCAR as drivers weighed in on the matter after the incident at the Circuit of the Americas where Cindric hooked the right rear of Ty Dillon's car.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
9 Mar. 2025
-
No halfway measure, but Bove still wants to keep his hooks in the fish in case Washington chooses to resume the matter later on (and to make sure that Adams follows their directives).—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
9 Mar. 2025
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
Noun
-
According to sources, a license-fee increase sought by the Academy is the main reason the two sides are coming out of the exclusive negotiating period without a new deal.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
3 Mar. 2025
-
No one suspected the underlying reason: cognitive decline due to early-onset Alzheimer's disease.—
Laura Kwerel,
NPR,
3 Mar. 2025
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
Noun
-
The themes of destiny, redemption, and sacrifice never get old.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
28 Feb. 2025
-
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
Noun
-
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
-
Thai design traditionally focuses on creating spaces that feel balanced, harmonious, and deeply connected to nature.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Mar. 2025
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
Noun
-
Last season, five conference teams made the field, something that became a big topic of conversation.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
26 Feb. 2025
-
The Washington Post's Opinion Section editor David Shipley resigned after owner Jeff Bezos mandated the section prioritize two topics, personal liberties and free markets, and not publish dissenting views in those areas.—
Sara Fischer,
Axios,
26 Feb. 2025
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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