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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of motive
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2026
And yet, the details behind the case have started to take shape, even if no suspect has been identified and no motive has been disclosed.
—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
30 June 2026
Peter Charalambous,
ABC News,
18 May 2026
The move was motived not by personal desires but rather by the chance to make teeing off a more seamless experience for today’s golfing guests.
—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for motive
Noun
Details of a motive were not released, and investigators did not say if the suspect and victim were acquainted.
—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2026
And yet, the details behind the case have started to take shape, even if no suspect has been identified and no motive has been disclosed.
—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
30 June 2026
Verb
Prosecutors have said Mangione's notebook entries speak to motive.
—
Peter Charalambous,
ABC News,
18 May 2026
The move was motived not by personal desires but rather by the chance to make teeing off a more seamless experience for today’s golfing guests.
—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for motive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motive
Noun
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For Isaienko, that is precisely why festivals like Stoned Climbers matter.
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So the Heat are confident and Giannis is confident, which is what matters.
Noun
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Many of the specials sport a red, white and blue motif or other celebratory branding.
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The hotel’s design, by Stonehill Taylor, marries New England iconography with Asian motifs that ring true to Raffles’ origins in Singapore.
Noun
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But this also is among the reasons her books are considered must-reads in the classroom, and contemporary classics.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines in 2025 for a number of reasons.
Verb
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That the notion of being a more perfect union, not the perfect union, is really what motivates me.
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In 2011, Aguirre devised a technique to motivate his Real Zaragoza players ahead of a league match against Real Madrid.
Noun
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While the theme words will not be a proper name, the spangram can be a proper name.
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This is a realm of exposition-heavy opening credits, relentlessly earwormy theme tunes, and heroes who, for no obvious reason, choose to hang out with cute/annoying [delete as appropriate] comedy sidekicks like Orko and Snarf.
Noun
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The white floral print channels the actress’s effortless aesthetic, and the easy-to-style design can be paired with tank tops, T-shirts, or even worn as a strapless swimsuit cover-up for beach days and vacations.
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That design allows researchers to position the ion with greater flexibility while making weak oscillating fields easier to detect.
Noun
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If using grounds, apply in 1 to 2-inch deep layers and make sure the coffee is spread in an unbroken line so slugs and snails won’t cross it.
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Set on nearly three acres, the approximately 6,100-square-foot residence featured six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, along with a semicircular living room, marble floors, and lush grounds anchored by a pool and loggia.
Verb
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In Canton, Ohio, a 46-year-old woman was shot in the back while asleep in bed after a man and others reportedly fired weapons into the air and set off fireworks to celebrate the holiday late Friday night.
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Kevin Pina’s rocket set off an eruption of joy, only for Cape Verde to trail at half-time mostly because of Maximiliano Araujo, the only Uruguay attacker showing any semblance of form.
Cite this Entry
“Motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motive. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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