1
as in themes
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 motifs
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric)
decorated with a paisley motive
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in reasons
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motives
Amanda Castro
hannah Parry
shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
In the laconic tones of a police report, Ibargüengoitia investigates the murders and their motives, the society and the profession - the oldest of all, but no less mysterious for that - which precipitated them.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
The motives of the suspect remain unclear.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025
Such statements came even as the authorities continue to search for the shooter and there is no information about the assassin or the motives behind the attack.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025
That move alarmed Israeli officials who question the motives of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander.
—Gram Slattery, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Though his motives are often as murky as the foul air in his office, Lamb seems to be keeping the nation safe by burying his team in pointless paperwork and isolating them from actual spywork – except when things have gotten so bleak that the Slow Horses can’t possibly make things worse.
—Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025
Coming up with an answer forces us to speculate about alien motives.
—Matthew Hutson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
Ideological skirmishes over the motives and obligations of Carpenter’s music include both sincere interrogation of its feminism and smirking counteractive reprisals to that scrutiny.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
Bullet casings recovered at the scene were etched with anti-fascist messages, suggesting ideological motives.
—Amanda Castro
hannah Parry
shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
In the laconic tones of a police report, Ibargüengoitia investigates the murders and their motives, the society and the profession - the oldest of all, but no less mysterious for that - which precipitated them.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
The motives of the suspect remain unclear.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025
Such statements came even as the authorities continue to search for the shooter and there is no information about the assassin or the motives behind the attack.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025
That move alarmed Israeli officials who question the motives of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander.
—Gram Slattery, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Though his motives are often as murky as the foul air in his office, Lamb seems to be keeping the nation safe by burying his team in pointless paperwork and isolating them from actual spywork – except when things have gotten so bleak that the Slow Horses can’t possibly make things worse.
—Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025
Coming up with an answer forces us to speculate about alien motives.
—Matthew Hutson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
Ideological skirmishes over the motives and obligations of Carpenter’s music include both sincere interrogation of its feminism and smirking counteractive reprisals to that scrutiny.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motives
Noun
-
Specialized walking tours go beyond the main landmarks, focusing on themes that bring the city’s culture into sharper focus.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Did themes of aging and mortality seep into your own thinking?—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The oil, oil stick, pigments, and graphite on canvas marries myriad cultural and self-referential images, symbols, and motifs, mostly notably Móyòsóré Martins’ signature Watchman figure.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
From menswear motifs like herringbone and plaid to double-breasted shapes inspired by uniform dressing, our favorite jackets include all the essentials—plus some with a little more of a fashion-forward edge—to style with your go-to T-shirts and fall boots.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Glamour,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The route, closed to the public for security reasons, was lined by 22 half-companies representing all branches of the armed forces.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Shane Croucher
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The very different siblings, who are each going through their own personal life challenges, have naturally gone in separate directions over the years, and the idea of spending 10 days cooped up on a river cruise together makes each Keller child cringe for their own reasons.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
My love for love and support from the people around me [motivates me].—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
And Thomas said CNIOs need to speak the language and understand what motivates the staff.—
Lauren Giella
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Again, Dell’s frequent price shifts can dramatically alter each configuration's value, so timing matters.—
Charles Jefferies,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
-
For instance, when rolling out a difficult organizational change, setting clear guidelines shows visible commitment, and provides immediate small wins that prove why change matters.—
Sheri Bachstein,
Time,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
ABC's move is latest high-profile example of media figures facing repercussions for comments about Kirk's killing.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Facts and figures The Red Sox are 82-69.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Take the topics discussed, or perhaps not discussed, at the family dinner table and host them in fun places where the public can easily engage.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
At work, however, the topics are closer to our heart, have a more immediate impact on our day, and are issues where our reactions might actually move the needle on a topic.—
Jay Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Historical patterns often show the president's party losing ground in midterms under similar conditions.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The silky gel gets along with every curl type (our testers ranged from 2A to 3C), encasing spirals of all patterns in a pliable cast that helps keep them buoyant.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motives. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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