MOTIVES Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

motives 1 of 2

noun

plural of motive

as in matters

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

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in motifs

a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) decorated with a paisley motive

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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

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motives

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of motive

as in motivates

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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 motives

Noun

The motives and the methods are also a big part of the puzzle. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026 When Brown asked to see the cache of papers, the librarian grilled her about her motives. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 July 2026 Although the exact motives of the killing remain unclear, it was suggested that his death was connected to the own goal. — Andrew Pereira, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026 Although Ashley had alleged things like malice, ill-will and improper motives by Adam, that still fell short of proving that Adam knew that his statements were false. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026 No motives were released, and the NYPD said the investigation remains ongoing. — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2026 Two complaints raising questions about his party affiliation and motives were filed by the Alaska Republican Party chair. — ABC News, 29 June 2026 The influence of Pluto retrograde, however, asks us to take a closer look at the deeper motives, power dynamics and unspoken truths influencing your social networks and group affairs. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 Covina City treasurer Neil Polzin said there is little financial benefit to the city if the battery facility is approved and openly questioned the motives of city leaders who may support it. — Tom Wait, CBS News, 24 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motives

Noun

So the Heat are confident and Giannis is confident, which is what matters.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Skeptic count matters because venture capital has priced these labs at unprecedented multiples.

— Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of matters

Noun

The hotel’s design, by Stonehill Taylor, marries New England iconography with Asian motifs that ring true to Raffles’ origins in Singapore.

— Andrew Sessa, Robb Report, 2 July 2026
Designers like Chloé continue to embrace billowy blouses, floral motifs, and XL belts, while Dior doubled down on blooms in its Haute Couture collection.

— Amanda Le, InStyle, 2 July 2026

Definition of motifs

Noun

Both Kurtz and Langeliers cited workload and the need for rest during the long Major League Baseball season as reasons for their lack of interest.

— Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Many areas have been exempted for a variety of reasons, including lots in hillside fire zones and lots in Historic Protection Overlay Zones.

— Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of reasons

Noun

Roberts said his product would be less expensive on a per-square-foot basis than traditional construction but declined to cite figures because individual site conditions affect the overall cost.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
The movie welcomes several major Hollywood figures, including Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin and Glenn Close.

— Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Definition of figures

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motived

motives

motiving

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Style

“Motives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motives. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of motives

noun

verb

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