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
Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Thus, over time, Williams gained appreciation for Johnson’s motives, for his communication style, most of all for his consistency.
—Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Staff Reports, Ventura County Star, 3 Dec. 2025
Whoever guesses the suspect and motive with the most accuracy receives a cash prize.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motive
Noun
Braddy’s motive, investigators say, was that he was spurned by Shandelle, who had repeatedly rejected his advances.
—Verb
Simi police said its detectives continue to investigate the circumstances and motive for the shooting deaths.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for motive
Noun
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Coker, to be clear, had no say in the matter.—
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Earlier this week, Risch spoke with Boise’s KIVI-TV Channel 6, and briefly addressed the matter.—
Noun
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The rest of the home features a similar color motif.—
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Playful yet structured, the manicure proves that a timeless motif can still feel fresh and fashion-forward.—
Noun
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During pregnancy, common reasons for seeking care include early labor, bleeding, changes in fetal movement, or high blood pressure.—
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One reason the design concept endures is the sink's functionality within the kitchen's larger scheme.—
Verb
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There is no public evidence to suggest the assassination was motivated by that vote.—
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According to Reed, that was one of the incidents that motivated Diaz, herself and two other residents to form the Crestwood Crime Patrol.—
Noun
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Specialized themes span food, trekking, family travel, women-only departures, and short breaks.—
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There’s not much to quibble with in the market’s to-and-fro oscillations among sectors and themes so far.—
Noun
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The growing acceptance of Indian design is one reason Bohra no longer resists the Made in India label.—
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The largest maritime manufacturing company in Indonesia, PT Pal has advantages in the design and construction capabilities of naval vessels, commercial vessels, and general engineering.—
Noun
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DeFoor was set to appear in federal court later Tuesday on federal charges of damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or grounds, and assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers.—
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DeFoor also faces federal charges of damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or grounds, and assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers.—
Verb
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As a doctor is forced to flee Aleppo with her young daughter, one desperate choice sets off a chain of events that ripples across borders and interlocking stories.—
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The killing drew national attention and set off a frantic five-day manhunt across the Northeast.—
Cite this Entry
“Motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motive. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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