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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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
Authorities did not say what, if any, motive there was behind the fire. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025 But looking good isn’t Williams' only motive with her new diet and fitness regimen. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
Adams indicated that local authorities would be working with federal officials to assess the motive. CTE, according to Harvard Medical School, can only be diagnosed through a postmortem brain examination. —Chad De Guzman, Time, 29 July 2025 His remarks exposed the main motive behind Israel’s dangerous regional gamble. —Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 28 July 2025 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
  • This unit is used to measure the fine particulate matter in the air, such as smoke, dust, soot or dirt.
    — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 31 July 2025
  • If aldermen out of desperation decide to try this gambit, the city will be sued and the matter will be tied up in the courts.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
Definition of matter
Noun
  • The Chinese jewelry brand was founded in 2009 and is popular among younger consumers for its distinctive designs, including ancient coin pendants and lotus motifs.
    — Victoria Yeo,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 July 2025
  • The upper half is embellished with 18-karat white gold sculpted into the image of a lotus flower, which is a recurring motif of the Imperiale.
    — Nancy Olson, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of motif
Noun
  • The top reason students opt not to pursue higher education is cost, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board states, though having a degree can drastically increase earnings.
    — Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Moving firewood from one place to another is the likely reason for how the insect has been able to hopscotch into 33 states and Canada, killing hundreds of millions of trees in what amounts to the blink of an eye in forest terms.
    — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • Both players have full no-trade clauses but could be motivated to waive them for the right fit.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 July 2025
  • Football: Benched at USC after being touted as a potential NFL first-rounder, Louisville QB Miller Moss is motivated to return to form under Jeff Brohm.
    — Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
Definition of motivate
Noun
  • Emotional storytelling should be an ongoing theme in all public-facing communications to reinforce the connection with the nonprofit’s mission.
    — Matt Nash, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Audio ads, from not only podcasts but Amazon Music, has been an increasingly prominent theme in Amazon’s annual upfront presentations to advertisers.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of theme
Noun
  • Its design is inspired by a fairytale and is furnished with mossy interior walls, an upside-down two-top on the ceiling and award-winning bathrooms, among many other details.
    — Susan Stapleton, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025
  • The bar's design won the Best Bar Design Award at North America's 50 Best Bars.
    — Bahar Anooshahr, AZCentral.com, 31 July 2025
Definition of design
Verb
  • Prime Minister Saddam Hussein refused to withdraw, setting off the Gulf War.
    — AZCentral.com, AZCentral.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Additional lightning strikes from these types of clouds could set off new blazes or reignite areas crews have already smothered.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of set off
Noun
  • All of that, plus other topics, were part of this week’s episode of the Heat Check.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025
  • That's how the film lures in its audience: The jovial concept gives way to the more serious topic of man's colonization of nature.
    — Devan Coggan, EW.com, 1 Aug. 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 7 Aug. 2025.

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